A Liverpool drug dealer and taxi driver has been jailed for 12 years after a slew of incriminating Encrochat messages, including a photo of his own driveway, led to his arrest.
Rudi Caldwell, 37, from Woolton, was arrested at his home in April 2025 as part of Operation Venetic, a widespread international effort targeting criminals who used the encrypted Encrochat platform to evade police.
On Friday, August 1, Caldwell appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin) and a Class B drug (cannabis).
Caldwell, who used the Encrochat handle ‘box-bat’, was caught out after detectives uncovered messages that identified him as a leading figure in the supply of large quantities of drugs. In his messages, he gave up personal details, including the name of one of his children, and sent a picture of his own CCTV system showing his front driveway.
He also discussed trading his licensed taxi vehicles.
Detective Inspector James Boardman said: “Through our investigation, we were able to identify Caldwell as being the person behind the ‘box-bat’ handle after he used the device and disclosed personal detailsk.”
Between March and June 2020, Caldwell was linked to supplying 16kg of cocaine, 2kg of heroin, and 14kg of cannabis. Messages showed him working closely with an associate named “BondBat” to source and supply kilogram amounts of drugs.
In one message to his partner, Caldwell wrote: “Let’s get busy mate. I’m ready now, selling up, all in.”
The court heard that Caldwell even plotted to build an underground drug factory and planned to buy a house with a greenhouse specifically to grow cannabis. He also spoke of attacking a rival dealer and his partner to steal their stock.
When officers arrested Caldwell, they seized two Rolex watches from his home. He has nine previous convictions for 13 offences, including possession of drugs.
Caldwell, appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, showed no reaction as he was sentenced.
Detective Inspector Boardman said of the case: “Caldwell is just the latest person to be brought to justice for their involvement in the widescale peddling of drugs on the streets of Merseyside,” adding that the work to target other criminals would continue.
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