Mirel Neatu, 37, Marius Nedelcu, 40, and Seyan Debnath, 48, ran property management companies that secured homes from legitimate landlords by offering to manage them, then let organised crime groups set up large-scale cannabis farms in the properties.[1][2] West Yorkshire Police linked the firms to an investigation into 75 cannabis farms in residential properties in and around Harehills that produced cannabis with a street value of more than £4.5 million.[1][2]
Leeds East Neighbourhood Policing Team officers uncovered the enterprise through the CommUnity Harehills project against organised crime, seizing 7,636 plants amounting to 458 kg of cannabis in raids at addresses across the area.[1][2] In March 2024 officers executed warrants in Leeds and made arrest enquiries in Coventry, detaining the three men and a fourth man on suspicion of conspiracy to produce cannabis and acquiring criminal property.[1][2]
In January 2025 the three pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to permitting premises to be used for cannabis production; no evidence was offered against the fourth defendant and he was acquitted.[1] Neatu was jailed for 32 months, Nedelcu for 28 months, and Debnath received a suspended 21-month term with 300 hours of unpaid work and a 12-week night-time curfew.[1][2] Officers also recovered £14,000 in cash at Debnath’s home and pursued a confiscation order.[2]
