News In Focus
19 May 2005
Crime lords under fire
The "Mr Bigs" of the underworld were today warned that action is being stepped up to prevent Scotland becoming a safe haven for international crime.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson spoke out before a parliamentary debate on serious and organised crime and warned that there is no place to hide for those involved in criminal networks.
She will use the debate to show how a network of criminal justice agencies are working together to break an increasingly international web of crime - from Scotland right across the EU, and beyond through the drug routes to Afghanistan.
Recent action includes:
- Using the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to identify, freeze then seize more than £5.4 million of ill-gotten gains, including civil recovery procedures if there is insufficient evidence for a criminal prosecution.
- Turning criminals' seized assets back on them to fund the recent "Drug Dealers Don't Care" campaign, boosting drug-related calls to Crimestoppers by more than 400 per cent and getting more drug dealers off the streets.
- Strengthening the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency - by the end of March, 200 staff were working with police forces in tackling all forms of serious and organised crime.
- Co-operating across Europe through the new European arrest warrant which helps speed up the arrest and return of criminals wanted in Scotland, which last year resulted in the return of five fugitives.
- Bringing forward proposals in the Police Bill consultation paper to encourage those accused of crimes to give information and evidence to help convict others involved in more serious crime, in return for reduced sentences.
Ms Jamieson said: "We live in an increasingly global world and just as legitimate businesses have adapted by operating on an international basis, so too have criminal networks who neither respect geographical nor political boundaries. They are involved in activity at all levels, from growing opium in Afghanistan to drug dealing in Aberdeen. Their networks extend into every community in Scotland, helped by local gangs who think that they can make vast profits on the back of these immoral activities - and get away with it.
"They should think again."
Pointing to the recent successes of the enforcement agencies, she added: "I am determined to continue to support those efforts and ensure that there is no hiding place in Scotland for these evil networks."