|
Almost
£12.5 million has been frozen
since April 2006.
In addition, almost £1.8 million has been seized from
criminals in the last six months under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Local Labour MSP Allan
Wilson has welcomed news that almost £1.8 million has been seized from
criminals in the last six months under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
In addition, almost £12.5 million has been frozen since April 2006.
The Cunninghame North MSP said the laws were hitting criminals in North
Ayrshire’s communities where it hurts most and showing those tempted by
crime that while it may have short term attractions, ultimately they face
losing everything they have as well as the prospects of serving a long jail
sentence.
The local politician added: “Despite crime in North Ayrshire falling, there
remain too many criminals involved in serious, organised and violent crime.
The main concern of these individuals is to line their pockets with lavish
luxuries paid for through their criminal activity.
“These criminals do not deserve to live like they do. Today’s news that over
£1.8 million has been seized and nearly £12.5 million has been frozen should
be seen as a stark warning to anyone involved in criminal activity. Not only
will they face a prison sentence, they face losing everything they have
illegally gained.
“The Scottish Executive are committed to helping law abiding citizens and I
would urge anyone who knows anything about criminal activity to report it to
the local police or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, cash and bank accounts can be targeted
under the legislation. Criminals can also be forced to surrender property,
cars, luxury items and investments.
Notes:
The Financial Crime Unit, which deals with the confiscation of the proceeds
of crime following conviction, confiscated more than £765,000 from convicted
drug dealers, money launderers and fraudsters in the six months to September
30, 2006.
The total amount recovered is made up of £765,000 from criminals convicted
of related offences; £667,000 from cash seizures, and £343,000 from recovery
orders granted by the civil courts.
The £12.5m in frozen assets is the estimated value of assets currently
restrained under 67 orders obtained by the Financial Crime Unit. Restraint
orders are made pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 also introduced the Civil Recovery Unit,
which seeks to recover in the civil courts money which is believed, on
balance, to be the proceeds of crime. In the past six months that has
amounted to more than £1 million - £667,000 from cash seizures and £343,000
from recovery orders granted by the courts.
The Financial Crime and Civil Recovery units work with colleagues at the
Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, UK Police Forces and HM Revenue and
Customs to identify and recover the proceeds of crime.
Money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act, up to a maximum of £17
million a year, is invested by Scottish Ministers in community projects
aimed at alleviating the affects of crime. If more than £17 million is
recovered in any financial year the balance is sent to the UK Treasury.
In May 2006 the total amount of money seized by Police Force Area was:
Lothian and Borders £510,678.44
Grampian
£480,147.29
Strathclyde
£1,550,337.55
Dumfries & Galloway £486,235
Tayside
£173,487.83
Fife
£135.534.24
Northern
£1,043,754
Central
£222,221.50
HMCE
£422,310
SDEA
£293,827
|
