The tech wizard behind a crime gang that stole more than £1m-worth of Mercedes vans has launched an appeal against efforts to seize his ill gotten gains. 

Miroslav Pesko, 43, was the technical brains who used specialist skills to hide the true identities of more than 100 vans stolen across the region by a network of thieves, including people from Norwich and Lowestoft.

Eastern Daily Press: A photo of one of the Mercedes Sprinter vans, stolen in LowestoftA photo of one of the Mercedes Sprinter vans, stolen in Lowestoft (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

He was jailed for five years and four months at Norwich Crown Court in 2020 after being found guilty of conspiracy to steal between January 2017 and September 2019.

READ MORE: ‘Lie after lie after lie’: tech wizard behind £1m Mercedes van theft gang jailed

Police have since taken action to recover cash after he was found to have assets in Russia worth more than £211,000.

He is now seeking permission to appeal against a confiscation order. 

His application will be considered at a hearing at the Court of Appeal on June 20.

Where criminals do not pay back the money required as part of a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) court order, they face extended periods in jail and are still required to pay back the full amount.