Crime seizures top £20 million
29 Apr 08
£5.5 million in confiscation and civil recovery in past year as enforcement results increase
More than £21 million has been taken from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act since 2003, the Lord Advocate has announced.
In addition, in the last six months, 13 major operations by the police and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs have resulted in the conviction of 15 serious organised criminals and the seizure of 150 kilos of drugs.
Elish Angiolini QC, the Lord Advocate, said that in the past year, the Civil Recovery Unit has recovered £2,700,455, the largest amount recovered in one year, while in the same period prosecutors secured confiscation orders worth £2,847,037.
She commented: "Anyone looking to fund their lifestyle from crime should take note. The latest figures show we are taking the equivalent of £54,000 each week from convicted criminals, and over £25,000 a week from cash seizures."
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today highlighted these successes as the kind of joint working that the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce wants to build on as it steps up its fight against criminal gangs.
As part of the work going on to tackle serious organised crime, he welcomed plans by police and other law enforcement partners to pilot joint investigation teams.
The Crown Office has also agreed to be represented at the "crime campus" at Gartcosh when it is operational.
Mr MacAskill said: "The crime campus at Gartcosh will provide the opportunity to deliver joint working to a different level and I am delighted that the Crown Office has decided to include a number of their staff on the campus."