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14/06/2006
Assets Recovery Agency seizes over £16m
The Assets Recovery Agency has surpassed its intended target by seizing over £16 million.
However the head of the ARA in Northern Ireland, Alan McQuillan, said that the delays in court proceedings meant that the amount that they recovered was not as much as he had hoped.
Speaking earlier today, Mr McQuillan said that the Agency had been led to believe that cases would take less time in the High Court.
"They are taking three years at the moment because we are seeing so many legal challenges.
"One of the biggest gaps in our performance has been the delay in actually getting the money in."
Speaking following the publication of ARA’s Annual Report and Business Plan, Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime task force (OCTF), Paul Goggins said that the ARA continues to be highly effective and is making a real impact in tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.
Paul Goggins said: “I congratulate the Agency on its significant successes last year in disrupting 21 criminal enterprises and freezing or taxing over £15.9 million of assets from criminals at all levels.
“Removing the profits and assets from the hands of criminals is a key tool in tackling organised crime and prevents criminals from reinvesting in further criminal enterprises and inflicting even more harm and damage on our communities.
The Minister continued: “It sends a very powerful message that crime doesn’t pay and OCTF together with ARA and our partner agencies will continue to bare down on criminality from whatever source.
“I welcome the Agency’s continual commitment and in particular, this years targets for restraining and recovering criminal assets in Northern Ireland."
He concluded by saying that the Agency is a key member of the OCTF and plays a vital role as part of a multi-agency approach and added that the staff are providing a vital service to the people of Northern Ireland.
(EF/SP)
However the head of the ARA in Northern Ireland, Alan McQuillan, said that the delays in court proceedings meant that the amount that they recovered was not as much as he had hoped.
Speaking earlier today, Mr McQuillan said that the Agency had been led to believe that cases would take less time in the High Court.
"They are taking three years at the moment because we are seeing so many legal challenges.
"One of the biggest gaps in our performance has been the delay in actually getting the money in."
Speaking following the publication of ARA’s Annual Report and Business Plan, Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime task force (OCTF), Paul Goggins said that the ARA continues to be highly effective and is making a real impact in tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.
Paul Goggins said: “I congratulate the Agency on its significant successes last year in disrupting 21 criminal enterprises and freezing or taxing over £15.9 million of assets from criminals at all levels.
“Removing the profits and assets from the hands of criminals is a key tool in tackling organised crime and prevents criminals from reinvesting in further criminal enterprises and inflicting even more harm and damage on our communities.
The Minister continued: “It sends a very powerful message that crime doesn’t pay and OCTF together with ARA and our partner agencies will continue to bare down on criminality from whatever source.
“I welcome the Agency’s continual commitment and in particular, this years targets for restraining and recovering criminal assets in Northern Ireland."
He concluded by saying that the Agency is a key member of the OCTF and plays a vital role as part of a multi-agency approach and added that the staff are providing a vital service to the people of Northern Ireland.
(EF/SP)
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19 June 2008
Cross Border Team To Tackle Fuel Faudsters
Law enforcement agencies from both Northern Ireland and the Republic are to establish a new cross-border group to tackle fuel fraud. The joining of forces will provide a new approach to combat the multi-million pound illegal business.
Cross Border Team To Tackle Fuel Faudsters
Law enforcement agencies from both Northern Ireland and the Republic are to establish a new cross-border group to tackle fuel fraud. The joining of forces will provide a new approach to combat the multi-million pound illegal business.
10 September 2003
Agency freezes £1.5m in criminal assets
Over £1.5 million worth of assets belonging to a murdered loyalist have been frozen by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA), Security Minister Jane Kennedy announced today. A receiver has been appointed to take control of, and manage the assets of, dead loyalist Jim Johnston, who was shot dead at his Co Down home in May.
Agency freezes £1.5m in criminal assets
Over £1.5 million worth of assets belonging to a murdered loyalist have been frozen by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA), Security Minister Jane Kennedy announced today. A receiver has been appointed to take control of, and manage the assets of, dead loyalist Jim Johnston, who was shot dead at his Co Down home in May.
24 February 2003
Assets Recovery Agency targets criminal profits
Criminals will no longer be able to enjoy a "champagne lifestyle" funded with dirty money made at the expense of the victims of organised crime. The new Assets Recovery Agency, which became operational today, is armed with an array of powers to seize, investigate, and recover assets and other wealth obtained as a result of illegal activities.
Assets Recovery Agency targets criminal profits
Criminals will no longer be able to enjoy a "champagne lifestyle" funded with dirty money made at the expense of the victims of organised crime. The new Assets Recovery Agency, which became operational today, is armed with an array of powers to seize, investigate, and recover assets and other wealth obtained as a result of illegal activities.
24 November 2004
Former paramilitary's home up for auction
The first public sale of a criminal's property by the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland was set to go ahead on Wednesday. The auction of Jim Johnston's house follows September’s High Court order to seize the cash and property assets worth more than £1 million from the former loyalist paramilitary.
Former paramilitary's home up for auction
The first public sale of a criminal's property by the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland was set to go ahead on Wednesday. The auction of Jim Johnston's house follows September’s High Court order to seize the cash and property assets worth more than £1 million from the former loyalist paramilitary.
18 August 2003
SDLP call for all-Ireland Criminal Assets Bureau
The SDLP has called for the creation of an all-Ireland Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) following a meeting with the Northern Ireland-based Assets Recovery Agency (ARA).
SDLP call for all-Ireland Criminal Assets Bureau
The SDLP has called for the creation of an all-Ireland Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) following a meeting with the Northern Ireland-based Assets Recovery Agency (ARA).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
