Gangster may have been shot over his part in timeshare con
POLICE investigating the murder of a notorious gangster have said they now believe he was killed because of his role in a timeshare fraud.
John “Goldfinger” Palmer, 65, was shot six times in a professional hit in the garden of his secluded Essex mansion in June 2015, a week after he was charged in connection with a timeshare scam in Tenerife and days after he was reported as saying he would do “anything to stay out of prison”.
Ten people have been convicted and sentenced in connection with the fraud, and Essex Police hope the conclusion of the case will prompt criminals to come forward with information to help solve the murder.
Det Supt Stephen Jennings, leading the investigation, said: “It is my strongest hypothesis that John’s murder was in some way connected with the fraud investigation in Spain.
“Some people may have believed that John was going to give evidence to the Spanish authorities to save himself. There is nothing to suggest that was going to happen but I believe exploring the people involved in that case and their criminal associates could give us our best lead.”
Palmer earned his “Goldfinger” nickname after being implicated in the 1983 Brink’s-mat gold bullion heist. At one stage he was rumoured to be worth £30 million.
Police initially failed to spot the fact he had been murdered and put his death down to natural causes, with his wounds thought to have been caused by recent surgery. A post mortem revealed he had been shot six times at close range.
It is thought there may have been a brief exchange before his assassin opened fire, hitting Palmer in the right elbow, the chest and stomach. He apparently staggered for 20 yards before collapsing to the ground.
Police believe the gunman then walked up to his prone figure and fired another three bullets into him, hitting him in the left arm, the top of the back and the left side of his torso.
Mr Jennings said: “The key to solving the murder lies within the underworld. Loyalties do change and people may now feel able to come forward. Despite his past, [Palmer] remains a father and a partner who was murdered in cold blood at his own home.”