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04/07/2002
Crime Task Force beats criminals at their own game
Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force Jane Kennedy has congratulated the newly established Oils Fraud Expert Group for its success in combating organised crime.
The Oils Fraud Expert Group, which forms part of the ongoing Organised Crime Task Force strategy to combat organised crime in Northern Ireland, brings together professionals from the Task Force, the devolved administration and local government in dealing with issues that impact on the illegal supply of oil products in Northern Ireland.
Speaking during the group’s inaugural meeting, the Minister said: "Organised criminals are essentially ruthless traders with an eye to maximising their profits - the desire to make money is their primary aim.
"Evasion of tax is a very serious problem here in Northern Ireland with the revenue loss from this fraud running into hundreds of millions of pounds every year – money that could be spent on hospitals, schools and better public transport.
“By forging strategic alliances across business sectors, government, local government and law enforcement agencies, the Organised Crime Task Force will beat these criminals at their own game.”
Ms Kennedy also said the public needed to be aware of the dangers associated with illicit fuel, she added: “This cheap fuel is not value for money and those who buy it must face up to the fact that they are lining the pockets of criminals.
“As well as the costly damage done to car engines, people need to be aware of the dangers involved in transporting smuggled fuels on our roads, the hazardous conditions under which fuel is stored and delivered to petrol stations, the contamination of our environment when criminals dump toxic by-products of fuel laundering into our waterways and also the undermining of legitimate business by criminals.”
The Minister also took this opportunity to congratulate Customs and Excise and the Police Service of Northern Ireland after a catalogue of impressive hits on organised crime gangs in recent weeks.
(MB)
The Oils Fraud Expert Group, which forms part of the ongoing Organised Crime Task Force strategy to combat organised crime in Northern Ireland, brings together professionals from the Task Force, the devolved administration and local government in dealing with issues that impact on the illegal supply of oil products in Northern Ireland.
Speaking during the group’s inaugural meeting, the Minister said: "Organised criminals are essentially ruthless traders with an eye to maximising their profits - the desire to make money is their primary aim.
"Evasion of tax is a very serious problem here in Northern Ireland with the revenue loss from this fraud running into hundreds of millions of pounds every year – money that could be spent on hospitals, schools and better public transport.
“By forging strategic alliances across business sectors, government, local government and law enforcement agencies, the Organised Crime Task Force will beat these criminals at their own game.”
Ms Kennedy also said the public needed to be aware of the dangers associated with illicit fuel, she added: “This cheap fuel is not value for money and those who buy it must face up to the fact that they are lining the pockets of criminals.
“As well as the costly damage done to car engines, people need to be aware of the dangers involved in transporting smuggled fuels on our roads, the hazardous conditions under which fuel is stored and delivered to petrol stations, the contamination of our environment when criminals dump toxic by-products of fuel laundering into our waterways and also the undermining of legitimate business by criminals.”
The Minister also took this opportunity to congratulate Customs and Excise and the Police Service of Northern Ireland after a catalogue of impressive hits on organised crime gangs in recent weeks.
(MB)
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01 July 2009
Assets Settlement Praised By NIO
Successful efforts to recover 'ill-gotten-gains' have been in for high-level praise today. The NIO Security Minister Paul Goggins - who also chairs the Organised Crime Task Force - congratulated the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the other agencies involved in the recovery of well over £5.5m of criminal assets.
Assets Settlement Praised By NIO
Successful efforts to recover 'ill-gotten-gains' have been in for high-level praise today. The NIO Security Minister Paul Goggins - who also chairs the Organised Crime Task Force - congratulated the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the other agencies involved in the recovery of well over £5.5m of criminal assets.
22 April 2009
Illegal Fuel Targeted In Border Operation
Money, vehicles and specialised 'mobile laundering plants' (similar to that pictured here following an earlier operation) have been seized in a large-scale cross-border operation targeting fuel smuggling. A substantial amount of illegal fuel, reported by the BBC today as being in excess of 175,000 litres, was recovered in the operation.
Illegal Fuel Targeted In Border Operation
Money, vehicles and specialised 'mobile laundering plants' (similar to that pictured here following an earlier operation) have been seized in a large-scale cross-border operation targeting fuel smuggling. A substantial amount of illegal fuel, reported by the BBC today as being in excess of 175,000 litres, was recovered in the operation.
22 September 2006
Illegal filling station dismantled in Newry
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have dismantled a filling station that was selling illegal fuel, following an operation to target the sale of illegal fuel in Northern Ireland.
Illegal filling station dismantled in Newry
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have dismantled a filling station that was selling illegal fuel, following an operation to target the sale of illegal fuel in Northern Ireland.
13 February 2004
Further success claimed against trade of illegal fuel
Authorities have claimed further success in the fight to reduce the trade in illegal fuel, it has emerged today. The Organised Crime Task Force has revealed that multi-agency swoop in north Belfast caught six vehicles using illegal fuel on Thursday. Four private and two commercial vehicles were caught during in the North Belfast operation.
Further success claimed against trade of illegal fuel
Authorities have claimed further success in the fight to reduce the trade in illegal fuel, it has emerged today. The Organised Crime Task Force has revealed that multi-agency swoop in north Belfast caught six vehicles using illegal fuel on Thursday. Four private and two commercial vehicles were caught during in the North Belfast operation.
27 October 2003
Minister challenges illegal fuel users
Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), Jane Kennedy today warned motorists intent on breaking the law that "your chances of getting caught are increasing all the time".
Minister challenges illegal fuel users
Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), Jane Kennedy today warned motorists intent on breaking the law that "your chances of getting caught are increasing all the time".
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
