Fresh From The Old Bailey

The Sunshine & Lollipops Gang - How a one-time WAG joined a gang of Dubai money mules


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Jo-Emma Larvin used to date Joe Calzaghe, the longest-reigning super-middleweight world champion in boxing history.

But by the time of the pandemic, her life had moved on. She was living up in Yorkshire, when she was recruited for an easy-money gig. Would she like to take eight suitcases full of cash to Dubai? The pay was good: £3000 per trip. And she'd be but up in the best hotel in town: the Palm Jumeirah. In her luggage was over a million quid.


Jo-Emma was hardly the only one to say 'yes'. Lead by a housewife from Leeds who co-ordinated her mules from a WhatsApp group called 'Sunshine and Lollipops', Larvin was one of at least six mules who'd run the route, collectively trafficking over £100 million of British drug money into the emirate.


In March of 2023, she and four fellow-accused stood in the dock of Isleworth, fighting for their freedom - the most TOWIE-flavoured group that Crown Court had seen in a long time.


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About The Show

Each week, Fresh From The Old Bailey tells the story of a case from the Central Criminal Court, or the London Crown Courts. Fresh stories of recent trials, told through the eyes of those who were there. This is real true crime. British justice as it is now — from the people who see justice being done, every single day. 


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If you’ve been personally affected by the crimes of the Dubai Money Mules, or if you have other information that might be helpful for a broader investigation, please get in touch through our Gmail: [email protected]. Discretion assured.


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Fresh From The Old BaileyBy Gavin Haynes


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