20/09/2004
Recovery of criminal profits continues
Secretary of State Paul Murphy has welcomed a ruling by Belfast Crown Court today which directs that a £1 million profit from terrorism will be used to tackle crime.
Today's case culminated in the confiscation by the Recovery Assets Bureau of almost £1.25 million from the estate of murdered loyalist Jim Johnston, who was shot dead in the driveway of his home in Crawfordsburn in May 2003.
This successful action follows a lucrative first year for the agency, with over £3 million being prised from the hands of organised criminals in Northern Ireland.
Mr Murphy said: "The Agency is equipped with valuable powers to ensure that criminals cannot benefit from the proceeds of their crimes and it is making a significant contribution, working alongside its partners in the Organised Crime Taskforce, in the fight against organised criminals in Northern Ireland."
Home Secretary David Blunkett echoed Mr Murphy's sentiments and said that the government is at last starting to make a significant impact in the fight against organised crime.
Recent laws will prevent criminals benefiting financially from their crimes and the total recovery of £54.5 million last year marked a significant increase of £7.5 million on the previous year.
Mr Blunkett said that this year's target is £60 million and with the introduction of a police incentive scheme earlier this year, yet more criminals should be caught out.
(mmcg/mb)
Today's case culminated in the confiscation by the Recovery Assets Bureau of almost £1.25 million from the estate of murdered loyalist Jim Johnston, who was shot dead in the driveway of his home in Crawfordsburn in May 2003.
This successful action follows a lucrative first year for the agency, with over £3 million being prised from the hands of organised criminals in Northern Ireland.
Mr Murphy said: "The Agency is equipped with valuable powers to ensure that criminals cannot benefit from the proceeds of their crimes and it is making a significant contribution, working alongside its partners in the Organised Crime Taskforce, in the fight against organised criminals in Northern Ireland."
Home Secretary David Blunkett echoed Mr Murphy's sentiments and said that the government is at last starting to make a significant impact in the fight against organised crime.
Recent laws will prevent criminals benefiting financially from their crimes and the total recovery of £54.5 million last year marked a significant increase of £7.5 million on the previous year.
Mr Blunkett said that this year's target is £60 million and with the introduction of a police incentive scheme earlier this year, yet more criminals should be caught out.
(mmcg/mb)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
24 May 2019
Arrests As £640k Cannabis Discovered
Three men have been arrested after police discovered drugs worth an estimated £640,000 during searches in Armagh. Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch searched a house on the Newry Road on Thursday 23 May and discovered the significant haul of herbal cannabis. Three occupants of the house were arrested for an array of drugs offences.
Arrests As £640k Cannabis Discovered
Three men have been arrested after police discovered drugs worth an estimated £640,000 during searches in Armagh. Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch searched a house on the Newry Road on Thursday 23 May and discovered the significant haul of herbal cannabis. Three occupants of the house were arrested for an array of drugs offences.
26 April 2024
Arrests Made And Cash Seized In Organised Crime Search Operation
Two people have been arrested and approximately £240,000 in cash seized in a search operation in the Belfast and Sprucefield areas over two days, conducted by the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit.
Arrests Made And Cash Seized In Organised Crime Search Operation
Two people have been arrested and approximately £240,000 in cash seized in a search operation in the Belfast and Sprucefield areas over two days, conducted by the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit.
13 June 2003
Paramilitary involvement in crime is 'rife'
A report on organized crime in Northern Ireland has said that paramilitary involvement in local criminal groups is rife, with their activity casting a shadow over the province’s economy.
Paramilitary involvement in crime is 'rife'
A report on organized crime in Northern Ireland has said that paramilitary involvement in local criminal groups is rife, with their activity casting a shadow over the province’s economy.