Gangster told to pay back profits

James Stevenson's criminal assets totalled more than £1m

One of Scotland's major gangland figures has been ordered to pay back almost £750,000 in crime profits.

James Stevenson, 43, also known as "The Iceman", was jailed in April 2007 for 12 years for his part in a massive money laundering operation.

Following his conviction, the Crown raised proceedings to seize profits from his criminal activities.

His assets included designer watches, jewellery, a fleet of taxis and property in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.

The confiscation is the second highest against an individual in Scotland.

Stevenson from Burnside in South Lanarkshire, and his stepson Gerry Carbin, 27, from East Kilbride, were jailed at the High Court in Glasgow after admitting a series of charges relating to concealing and receiving criminal property.

The court heard how Stevenson used cash from drugs to buy luxury watches and set up a taxi firm.

In jailing Stevenson, judge Lord Hodge described him as a major figure in the world of serious crime.

Hidden microphones

He was caught after a massive police surveillance operation.

Officers from the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency used listening devices and hidden microphones to listen in to conversations.

A hearing regarding the seizure of Stevenson's assets was due to begin at the High Court in Edinburgh next week but on Friday he made a brief appearance in the dock as his lawyers confirmed the case had been settled.

Patrick Wheatley QC, for Stevenson, said there had been "very, very significant and ongoing negotiations" which had resulted in a resolution.

The proceeds of Stevenson's general criminal conduct at were recorded at more than £1m.

Stevenson bought luxury watches

He was ordered to pay back £747, 080 over six months.

His assets included 56 watches worth in excess of £60, 000. Among them were top brands such as Rolex, Breitling and Tag Heuer and a Juan Pablo Montoya Royal Oak timepiece worth £10, 000 alone.

Jewellery, a house in East Kilbride, a property in Troon and a fleet of 12 Octavia Skoda cars previously used as private-hire cabs were also included in the seizure from Stevenson.

A further £389,000 seized on the arrest of Stevenson will also go towards the confiscation order along with money from bank accounts, shares and dividends.

The largest confiscation order against an individual in Scotland was for £1.3m against VAT fraudster Michael Voudouri.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Those who seek to make money at the expense of hard working, law abiding people threaten the framework of our society.

"This cannot and will not be tolerated and this government, working with the other members of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, will act to put them out of business and off the streets."