11/06/2003
UUP leader calls for report on Assets Recovery Agency
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has called on the Government to outline what impact the Assets Recovery Agency has had in Northern Ireland.
It preceeded the UK's first ever international conference on organised crime taking in place in Belfast today.
Organised by the Assets Recovery Agency the three-day event will look at tackling such criminality and those who profit from it.
However, speaking during the Northern Ireland Grand Committee Questions in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Trimble asked NIO Minister Angela Smith what stage the Agency was now at in tackling criminals and their numerous empires.
He added: "We know that the equivalent body in the Republic of Ireland has had a massive impact, but that so far the public are unaware that the agency has had any impact in Northern Ireland. Can you give us details of what has happened, what seizures have been made and how many proceedings the agency has in train against individuals?"
Replying Ms Smith said: "The Agency was set up a relatively short time ago-in February-and the police and others have worked to identify and prepare suitable cases that will be referred to the agency."
The Minister claimed she could not comment on specific cases, but did confirm that the Agency had several cases under active investigation and court action was expected "quite soon".
This week's event, at the Waterfront Hall, is entitled No Boundaries, No Hiding Place.
It involves people who work together to combat organised crime to share knowledge and strategies.
Among those attending are representatives from law enforcement agencies, the intelligence community, representatives from the criminal justice sector as well as academics and prosecutors.
(MB)
It preceeded the UK's first ever international conference on organised crime taking in place in Belfast today.
Organised by the Assets Recovery Agency the three-day event will look at tackling such criminality and those who profit from it.
However, speaking during the Northern Ireland Grand Committee Questions in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Trimble asked NIO Minister Angela Smith what stage the Agency was now at in tackling criminals and their numerous empires.
He added: "We know that the equivalent body in the Republic of Ireland has had a massive impact, but that so far the public are unaware that the agency has had any impact in Northern Ireland. Can you give us details of what has happened, what seizures have been made and how many proceedings the agency has in train against individuals?"
Replying Ms Smith said: "The Agency was set up a relatively short time ago-in February-and the police and others have worked to identify and prepare suitable cases that will be referred to the agency."
The Minister claimed she could not comment on specific cases, but did confirm that the Agency had several cases under active investigation and court action was expected "quite soon".
This week's event, at the Waterfront Hall, is entitled No Boundaries, No Hiding Place.
It involves people who work together to combat organised crime to share knowledge and strategies.
Among those attending are representatives from law enforcement agencies, the intelligence community, representatives from the criminal justice sector as well as academics and prosecutors.
(MB)
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Glengormley couple have £200k assets frozen
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18 May 2007
SOCA has “vital role to play” in NI
The Serious Crime Agency (SOCA) has a vital role to play in helping to eradicate the harm and dangers posed by organised crime in Northern Ireland, Paul Goggins MP said. The Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime (OCTF), was speaking following the publication of SOCA’s Annual Report for 2006/7.
SOCA has “vital role to play” in NI
The Serious Crime Agency (SOCA) has a vital role to play in helping to eradicate the harm and dangers posed by organised crime in Northern Ireland, Paul Goggins MP said. The Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime (OCTF), was speaking following the publication of SOCA’s Annual Report for 2006/7.
28 January 2002
Northern Ireland Labour Relations Agency chairman appointed
The Northern Ireland Labour Relations Agency has announced Patrick McCartan as their new chairman. Mr McCartan succeeds the retiring Chairman, Professor Desmond Rea OBE, who currently presides over the 19-member Policing Board which supervises the new Police Service of Northern Ireland.
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The Northern Ireland Labour Relations Agency has announced Patrick McCartan as their new chairman. Mr McCartan succeeds the retiring Chairman, Professor Desmond Rea OBE, who currently presides over the 19-member Policing Board which supervises the new Police Service of Northern Ireland.
13 June 2003
Paramilitary involvement in crime is 'rife'
A report on organized crime in Northern Ireland has said that paramilitary involvement in local criminal groups is rife, with their activity casting a shadow over the province’s economy.
Paramilitary involvement in crime is 'rife'
A report on organized crime in Northern Ireland has said that paramilitary involvement in local criminal groups is rife, with their activity casting a shadow over the province’s economy.
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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.