Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service News Release
30 March 2010
NEW POCA 'CHAMPIONS' TO DISRUPT SERIOUS AND ORGANISED CRIME
The fight against those who would seek to benefit from crime was strengthened today as COPFS and ACPOS unveiled new Proceeds of Crime Champions.
Lesley Thomson, Area Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow, and Assistant Chief Constable Angela Wilson from Tayside Police will spearhead the efforts of police and prosecutors to target criminals and serious and organised crime groups across Scotland.
The appointments were announced by the Solicitor General, Frank Mulholland QC, as he addressed a Proceeds of Crime conference, jointly hosted by COPFS and ACPOS at the Scottish Police College today.
Mr Mulholland said:
"Police and prosecutors are determined to work together to ensure that crime does not pay. The appointment of our POCA Champions underlines our continuing commitment to tackle those who use criminal activities to fund their lifestyles.
"I am pleased to say that we have confiscated and recovered nearly £30 million of unlawfully gained cash and assets, which is a significant achievement. But we will never be complacent. And we recognize that this is about much more than money. Just as important as the seizure of assets is the disruption that investigations and prosecutions cause to both individual criminals and serious and organised crime groups, forcing them to constantly look over their shoulders as we close in on them, and preventing them from reinvesting the proceeds obtained from criminal activities."
Lesley Thomson, Area Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow, said:
"The public rightly expect us to ensure that no one seeking to profit from their crimes should succeed in their endeavours. By working together with the police and other agencies, and using the growing expertise of our specialist National Casework Division and Civil Recovery Unit, we are determined to ensure there is no hiding place for the criminal gangs who prey on our communities."
Assistant Chief Constable Angela Wilson added:
"The Police will work closely with COPFS and other criminal justice agencies to maximise the recovery any of the material or financial benefits gained through the commission of crime, whether that is cash or assets, so that these can be put to good use in our communities."
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who opened the conference, said:
"The Proceeds of Crime Act has been identified by the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce as one of the key tools in our armoury against serious organised crime.
"That is why the Scottish Government has invested £1.2 million in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service over three years and £500,000 in three police forces over two years to help boost efforts to take assets from the Mr Bigs and their lieutenants. Today's conference has an important role to play in spreading that message."
Notes to editors:
1. The Proceeds of Crime conference took place at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan today and was attended by staff from COPFS, the Police, Serious Organised Crime Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and other agencies. The event which will help to map the way forward building on recent success in using the Proceeds of Crime legislation to recover unlawfully obtained assets. Through the National Casework Division and Civil Recovery Unit, COPFS works with colleagues at the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, UK Police Forces and HM Revenue and Customs to identify and recover the proceeds of crime.
a. The National Casework Division deals with the confiscation of proceeds of crime following conviction and secures money from convicted criminals ie those who have been convicted of drug dealing, money laundering, or fraud.
b. The Civil Recovery Unit investigates and recovers the proceeds of crime through the civil courts, without the need for criminal conviction.
2. Money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act, up to a maximum of £17m a year, is invested by Scottish Ministers in community projects aimed at alleviating the effects of crime. If more than £17m is recovered in any financial year, the balance is sent to the UK Treasury.
3. A photograph taken at today's conference is available from Crown Office Communications on 0844 561 4078 or 3710 or by emailing communications@copfs.gsi.gov.uk.
Contact: Communications 0844 561 4078/3710
Internet:
www.copfs.gov.uk