Financial and legal professions to help tackle organised crime

Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, Jane Kennedy has discussed ways to tackle the profits of organised crime with key representatives from financial, legal and accountancy professions.

At the event held in Hillsborough Castle, Ms Kennedy said organised crime was a threat that confronts everyone to varying degrees. She added: "It can only be tackled effectively when we work in a broad coalition of Government, law enforcement agencies, businesses and the community at large.

“For this reason we want to enlist the support of the financial sector to help the Organised Crime Task Force identify the threat of money laundering and seek your views on how it can be eradicated.

“My clear message to business leaders is that the Organised Crime Task Force, supported by the police, Customs and other agencies, stands ready to assist you – and the companies you represent – to work and prosper in an enterprising business culture, free from the influence of organised criminals.

“We all have a role to play in building a better future in Northern Ireland. The financial, legal and accountancy professions and organisations have a special responsibility. By refusing to tolerate and actively exposing money-laundering activity, you will help to establish the thriving business culture that benefits us all.

“But it is Government’s role to take the lead.

“The Proceeds of Crime Bill, currently going through Parliament, is aimed at recovering the proceeds of crime. It will bring together in an updated and strengthened form, the law relating to financial investigation, money laundering offences and confiscation.

“The new Assets Recovery Agency will have powers to pursue and recover assets that are the product of criminal activity.

Ms Kennedy concluded by adding that defeating organised crime needed a long term, resource-intensive commitment and support from all sections of the community but that her Task Force was committed to this. (MB)