Kennedy briefs Interpol on work of OCTF

Organised crime and terrorism go hand in hand and do not recognise international boundaries, and must be confronted wherever it operates.

This was the message from Security Minister, Jane Kennedy during a visit to Interpol Headquarters in Lyon, France after an invitation from Secretary General of Interpol, Ron Noble.

Ms Kennedy, who was accompanies by two senior PSNI officers on her visit, briefed the organisation on the multi-agency approach of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF).

"Combating organised crime is not a matter for government or law enforcement agencies alone," the Minister said. "The industries which suffer from criminal activities have a role to play. And the public also has a crucial role. Those behind counterfeit goods are criminals often linked to terrorism. The message is clear; 'Don't trade with terrorists'".

The Organised Crime Task Force was created in September 2000 as a multi-agency approach to tackling the problem of organised crime. It is comprised of the Northern Ireland Office, Police Service of Northern Ireland, National Criminal Intelligence Service, Inland Revenue, Home Office, Assets Recovery Agency and other UK Government agencies.

Interpol is the largest international police organisation in the world with 181 member countries, spread over five continents. It supports and assists all organisations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.

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