Alex Midgley

Alex Midgley, known as the "Spanish Scouser," has been jailed in the UK for his involvement in drug money laundering and cannabis supply. He was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on July 7, 2026.

Midgley, aged 31 and residing in Custley Hey, Stockbridge Village, was identified as the operator of the EncroChat username "Viper East." His communications on the encrypted platform revealed his conspiracy to launder £5 million of drug money for crime bosses Francis and Vincent Coggins, and plans to transport 90kg of cannabis across the country.

He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to supply cannabis, conspiracy to convert criminal property (money laundering), and possession of criminal property. Midgley was arrested on April 23, 2026, and at the time of his arrest, £24,620 in cash was discovered. Despite his involvement, the court heard that Midgley had no previous convictions and was described as "really, really naïve" regarding the extent of the criminal enterprise. He appeared via video link to HMP Liverpool for his sentencing. Public court records also show a hearing for an Alex Midgley at Liverpool Crown Court on June 1, 2026.