Gerard McTaggart, 49, jailed for money laundering for a major crime gang, died in HMP Edinburgh. His role was delivering gang wages.
The Scottish Prison Service said McTaggart died this week. It happened in HMP Edinburgh on February 4. McTaggart was from Tollcross, Glasgow. A judge jailed him at the High Court in Lanark.
McTaggart admitted he was part of serious organized crime. Detectives watched him and discovered his role was to deliver wages. He delivered wages to other gangsters. He entered places linked to the crime group and met with gang members 21 times.
McTaggart often carried bags and parcels. He exchanged items nine times between May and October 2019. He used different cars to avoid police, meeting people in various spots to shake off attention. Police arrested him at a Glasgow plumber, finding £14,575 in an Asda bag.
His phone showed images and messages between him and gang members. A lawyer, John Brannigan, commented, stating McTaggart admitted his role and felt shame and embarrassment. The lawyer believed his remorse seemed genuine, adding the crime was out of character.
Facing jail was a shock for him, and he understood the seriousness. Police Scotland believe the group still imports drugs and is the biggest in the country. Operation Escalade convicted over 40 people for crimes including drug and firearm offenses, money laundering, and serious organized crime.
Detectives worked with overseas colleagues to extradite fugitives connected to the group from Europe and South America. The SPS said Gerard McTaggart died on February 4. He was 49 and in HMP Edinburgh. The death will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
