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)

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