'Cross Border Organised Crime' report launched

NIO Security Minister Ian Pearson and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the Irish Republic Michael McDowell have welcomed the publication of the 'Cross Border Organised Crime Assessment'.

The report, which is the first ever jointly produced cross-border report of its kind, was presented to the Ministers by Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy and PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde at a conference in Belfast today.

The report, which was compiled by law enforcement agencies in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland, explores eight key areas of criminality which are being undertaken by criminals in both jurisdictions.

Mr Pearson said that levels of co-operation between An Garda Síochana and the PSNI had "never been better" and the report underlined the need for a strengthened joint-approach to deal with the island's organised crime blight.

He added: “It has been said that organised crime knows no borders, but it is quite clear that many of the criminals who operate throughout this island know the border very well indeed and are only too willing to exploit it to their advantage.

“It is clear from the report that while the border presents opportunities to criminals in certain fields, while in others, such as drugs, it makes no significant impact. However there is no doubt that criminal networks from both sides of the border work together."

Minister McDowell added that the Republic was "determined to do everything" to combat the scourge of organised crime.

"It is evident from the report that closer co-operation between An Garda Siochana and the PSNI is proving a very effective tool in tackling this type of crime," he added.

Minister McDowell also paid tribute to the "excellent" working relationships between the Criminal Assets Bureau in the Republic and the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland.

The report explores eight key areas of criminality which impact across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and further afield. They are: alcohol fraud; drugs; immigration crime; intellectual property crime; money laundering and fraud; oils fraud; tobacco fraud; and vehicle crime.

(MB/GMCG)