COURIER CAUGHT COLD: Rizwan Malik Sentenced for 10+ Years in Arms Trafficking Sting

Rizwan Malik, 43, from Charles Road in Small Heath, thought he was untouchable. Using the Encrochat encrypted messaging service, he handled deliveries of firearms to UK-based crime groups on behalf of an international trafficker. His handle? 'MiniPunch.' Malik's game unraveled when Birmingham gang members Danyal Aziz, 32, and Michael Earp, 35, were nabbed in 2023 for drugs and firearms offences. Aziz, using the handle 'LushMace,' was caught planning a delivery of three Walther Creed 9mm pistols to a stash house in Tenby Street North. Malik received the drop-off instructions from an accomplice and met Earp at the location. A month later, police stopped Malik's van. His panic message read: 'Can't explain now... police pulled me... armed officers. 10 f***ing cars. Wanted to check van for drugs.' Malik was arrested in September 2020 after NCA officers linked his Encrochat handle to him. Over £17,000 and numerous phones were seized from his address. A concealment space was found in his white van. At trial, Malik claimed the cash was 'my hard-earned saved money from my business.' The jury didn't buy it. He was convicted on 22 May 2026 and sentenced to 10 years and three months today (18 June). Rick Mackenzie of the NCA said: 'Malik played a vital role in this dangerous gang's activities. His use of Encrochat didn't make him untraceable.' Giorgina Venturella, Specialist Prosecutor from the CPS, added: 'Malik put lethal weapons into the hands of an organised criminal, Danyal Aziz, who was fully prepared to use them. This could have had catastrophic consequences for innocent members of the public.'