PC laundered money for sons' drug dealing

A former police officer has been sentenced for money laundering after she paid large amounts to her drug dealing sons.

Detectives were investigating PC Judy Yuen's two adult sons when they arrested her in March 2023.

The 48-year-old, of Cotman Road in Colchester, pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday.

She was sentenced to 13 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: "Judy Yuen's actions are disgraceful, and every officer, member of staff, and volunteer will be disgusted with what she has done."

Forensic examinations of Yuen's phone showed that she had been messaging her eldest son, Tai, to discuss the transfer of money, police said.

The force said its dedicated money laundering investigator could not establish any other legitimate explanation for why Yuen would have that amount of money.

She was dismissed from the force without notice in November 2023 having been found to have committed gross misconduct.

"She did not deter or stop the criminal activity that was taking place, she actively facilitated it," said Ms Nolan.

Essex Police said her two sons were sentenced in January 2024 for being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Detectives said their drug line advertised cocaine for sale in Basildon, Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham.

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