More than £1.2 million seized from criminals has been invested in projects to cut crime and strengthen community safety across Northern Ireland, the Justice Minister has said.

Over the past three years, the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS) has directed confiscated funds into local initiatives that aim to reduce offending, build resilience and boost public confidence.

The Minister said: "Organised crime gangs (OCGs) exist to accumulate wealth and they do so by exploiting people and spreading misery across our communities. Through the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), law enforcement agencies respond to this by using asset recovery powers to confiscate criminal assets.

"Removing profits that fund crime not only breaks the cycle of criminal activity to prevent further offences occurring, but it also allows us to use the assets seized to invest in key projects that help to reduce crime and make a positive difference to communities.

"These include programmes working with young people to build skills and confidence, address antisocial behaviour and reduce re-offending, as well as schemes supporting victims of modern slavery, domestic abuse and hate crime. In addition, we have funded programmes raising awareness of fraud, scams and organised crime and providing support for community safety initiatives.

"I've had the opportunity to visit some initiatives funded by ARCS and it's been very encouraging to hear first-hand how young people and communities are benefiting from the relentless efforts of law enforcement partners to target those who profit from harm, exploitation, and fear."

During a recent visit to north Belfast, the Minister joined a family fun day at Marrowbone Community Hub, which has been allocated £11,320 for 2026/27 to deliver the Bone Intervention Project (BIP). The scheme offers positive opportunities for young people, tackling antisocial behaviour, lowering the risk of offending and reoffending, enhancing community safety and strengthening relationships between young people and local residents. Senior Youth Worker Shannen O'Connor said: "The project has been working with 40 young people who were not engaging with youth services, they were on the streets engaging in antisocial behaviour and were at risk of coming into contact with youth justice. We've seen a massive impact and the young people have really benefited from our services. They've done community clean-ups, organised community fun days and have become role models for others."

She also attended an activity day with the Community Sports Network's (CSN) Fresh Start programme, awarded £16,520 for 2026/27. Targeting ex-offenders, the programme recognises how a lack of opportunity and support can deepen isolation, loneliness, hopelessness and low self-esteem, increasing the risk of breaches and return to crime.

Fresh Start enables participants to take part in outdoor exploration, including hiking, mountain biking, caving and canoeing, to foster teamwork and personal decision-making. Billy Boyd, Programme Coordinator, said: "The funding provided by ARCS is an invaluable support to us. It allows us to provide transformative experiences using physical activity and the outdoor environment to support ex-offenders following release from prison. Recognising the value of engaging individuals in positive and often challenging activities can ignite a spark and illuminate a new and better sense of self and direction for these individuals. CSN endeavours to promote a better sense of purpose and direction, channelling conversations around a more meaningful lifestyle and choices going forward."

Minister Long concluded: I have been privileged to have the opportunity to meet participants and those leading the projects at Marrowbone and the Community Sports Network. ARCS funding comes from court orders made following successful prosecutions and convictions. In other words, money or assets accumulated through criminality is confiscated and redistributed to worthwhile projects like these, and many others.

"I wish to congratulate all those taking part in ARCS-funded programmes. I know it's making a meaningful difference to their lives and is very beneficial for the wider community."