Lee Murray’s former ‘enforcer’ shot in the throat

Paul Allen, who was convicted for his role in 2006’s Securitas Heist, was in critical condition after being shot six times on Thursday.

Former MMA fighter Paul Allen, 41, is in critical condition at a London hospital after being shot six times at a home owned by British comedian Russell Kane. Allen spent 18 years in prison for his role in Securitas depot heist.

The Telegraph reports that Allen was inside the house in Woodford Green, north-east London, at around 11pm on last Thursday when a gunman fired at him through a window at the back of the house. One of the bullets hit Allen in the throat.

A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident. He was released on bail. According to the Evening Standard a second man was arrested in connection with the shooting on Sunday. That man, a 28-year-old, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and firearms offenses.

2006’s Securitas robbery saw £53 million ($66 million) in cash being stolen after armed men abducted depot employees and used them to access cages filled with cash. The incident is thought to be the largest cash heist in history. The alleged mastermind of the heist is former MMA fighter ‘Lightning’ Lee Murray, who is currently serving a 25 year sentence in Moroccan jail. British media has dubbed Allen both Murray’s ‘enforcer’ and ‘trusted lieutenant’.

In 2009, Allen plead guilty to being involved in the heist, on the understanding that he was not one of the robbers that entered the depot, nor one of the kidnappers who handled any firearms. When sentenced Allen was also ordered to pay $1.6 million, which was believed to be his cut from the heist.

Allen was released from prison after serving half his sentence. Recently it was reported that Allen’s debt had been canceled after he had paid back around $500. The debt was canceled after a close court session determined that Allen’s assets were not sufficient enough to pay back such an amount.

After this judgement Allen was reportedly seen driving a Mercedes convertible while wearing a Rolex watch worth around $68,000.

For more on the Securitas depot heist, read Elliot Worsell’s 7-part interview series with Lee Murray. For the series Worsell spoke to an imprisoned Murray about his fights with Anderson Silva (in the cage) and Tito Ortiz (in the street). Murray also talked to Worsell about modern MMA and figures such as Michael Bisping and Conor McGregor.