09/12/2013
Tougher Fuel Fraud Laws Introduced
New legislation is being introduced that will allow tougher sentences to be handed out for fuel and tobacco fraud.
The new measures see the the addition of excise evasion on fuel and tobacco to the list of offences on which the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) can refer a sentence considered to be "unduly lenient" to the Court of Appeal.
Justice Minister David Ford introduced the measure. He said the decision followed concerns expressed to him about sentences not being reflective of the seriousness of the crimes.
"This is not just about the loss of money to the Government – although these crimes do divert essential resources from public services into the hands and pockets of criminals," he said. "It is also about the wider impact of such crime.
"Criminals involved in fuel laundering and tobacco smuggling are damaging our environment, impacting on legitimate trade and putting the health and safety of people at risk. The organised crime gangs may also use their ill gotten gains to fund other harmful activities such as drugs smuggling or human trafficking.
"We have seen successes recently by HMRC against gangs involved in this crime. I know that they will continue to target these groups and to seek to bring them to court. When they do I hope the sentence will reflect the seriousness with which I view the offence. If not then this legislative change will enable the Director of Public Prosecutions to refer the case to the Court of Appeal."
John Whiting of HMRC added: "Tackling fuel fraud is a top priority for HMRC in Northern Ireland. In the last year we have seen a significant increase in the number of laundering plants dismantled and illicit fuel seized. We will continue to work with our partners in the Organised Crime Task Force to tackle this fraud and will report for prosecution those individuals suspected of involvement in fuel fraud where there is sufficient evidence and where it is proportionate to do so."
(IT/CD)
The new measures see the the addition of excise evasion on fuel and tobacco to the list of offences on which the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) can refer a sentence considered to be "unduly lenient" to the Court of Appeal.
Justice Minister David Ford introduced the measure. He said the decision followed concerns expressed to him about sentences not being reflective of the seriousness of the crimes.
"This is not just about the loss of money to the Government – although these crimes do divert essential resources from public services into the hands and pockets of criminals," he said. "It is also about the wider impact of such crime.
"Criminals involved in fuel laundering and tobacco smuggling are damaging our environment, impacting on legitimate trade and putting the health and safety of people at risk. The organised crime gangs may also use their ill gotten gains to fund other harmful activities such as drugs smuggling or human trafficking.
"We have seen successes recently by HMRC against gangs involved in this crime. I know that they will continue to target these groups and to seek to bring them to court. When they do I hope the sentence will reflect the seriousness with which I view the offence. If not then this legislative change will enable the Director of Public Prosecutions to refer the case to the Court of Appeal."
John Whiting of HMRC added: "Tackling fuel fraud is a top priority for HMRC in Northern Ireland. In the last year we have seen a significant increase in the number of laundering plants dismantled and illicit fuel seized. We will continue to work with our partners in the Organised Crime Task Force to tackle this fraud and will report for prosecution those individuals suspected of involvement in fuel fraud where there is sufficient evidence and where it is proportionate to do so."
(IT/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.