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)