Record criminal assets seized in the North
Record amounts of criminal assets have been seized during the first six months of this year, the Northern Ireland Office said tonight.
Over £10m has been impounded or frozen, more than that recorded during the whole of the last financial year.
Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Paul Goggins told a group of accountants in Belfast they had a vital role to play in combating racketeering.
“The OCTF is committed to the fight against organised crime in Northern Ireland and we will continue to take that fight directly to the criminals involved,” he said.
“The assets we have seized from those who flout the law will be ploughed back into the fight against organised crime.”
The PSNI, Assets Recovery Agency and Revenue and Customs co-operated to net large sums of cash.
Between April and the end of September the partners placed assets worth over £10.2m out of reach.
Mr Goggins added: “As professional accountants working across many business sectors Chartered Institute of Management Accounts (CIMA) members can help break the chain of criminal finance that harms everyone and attempts to undermine our economy.
“The honest business community has nothing to fear and benefits hugely when criminals engaging in illegal financial practice are caught.
“Your continued vigilance in playing your part can help re-inforce the clear message that there is no hiding place for assets obtained through unlawful activity.”
Deborah Reynolds, CIMA Branch President, said organised crime impacted directly on the business community.
“As professional accountants we fully support and will actively assist the OCTF in its fight against criminal activity in Northern Ireland,” she said.
