US expert appointed to combat crime in Northern Ireland

A leading US expert with experience in combating Mafia activities has been recruited to help tackle Northern Ireland's growing organised crime problem.

American Professor Ronald Goldstock, who led the fight in New York against the Mafia and whose office indicted Colombian drugs barons, was asked to join the Organised Crime Task Force by Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid.

Professor Goldstock has been tasked with securing cross-community support for action in tackling the problem and will advise Dr Reid on criminality. He will also make recommendations for tackling the problem of organised crime, which Dr Reid called a “scourge” on society.

The Northern Ireland task force was established in September 2000 and is due to publish its second threat assessment and strategy in May 2002.

Speaking in Washington, Dr Reid said: "Tackling organised crime has been one of my priorities in Northern Ireland.

"The creation of the Organised Crime Task Force 18 months ago, was a mark of the government's determination to help Northern Ireland make the transition to a normal society.

“Clearly this isn’t a problem unique to Northern Ireland and I am delighted that Professor Goldstock, with his extensive experience and expertise, has agreed to accept this role.”

Professor Goldstock served for more than 13 years as Director of the New York State Organized Crime Task Force, where he played a key role in busting Mafia gangs and pursuing notable drug and money laundering cases.

He analysed organised crime's infiltration into legitimate industries and produced important reports on corruption and racketeering in construction and carting.

He lectures in law at a number of New York universities and works as a consultant for a range of corporate and individual clients. (AMcE)