Assets Recovery Agency seizes over £16m

The Assets Recovery Agency has surpassed its intended target by seizing over £16 million.

However the head of the ARA in Northern Ireland, Alan McQuillan, said that the delays in court proceedings meant that the amount that they recovered was not as much as he had hoped.

Speaking earlier today, Mr McQuillan said that the Agency had been led to believe that cases would take less time in the High Court.

"They are taking three years at the moment because we are seeing so many legal challenges.

"One of the biggest gaps in our performance has been the delay in actually getting the money in."

Speaking following the publication of ARA’s Annual Report and Business Plan, Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime task force (OCTF), Paul Goggins said that the ARA continues to be highly effective and is making a real impact in tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins said: “I congratulate the Agency on its significant successes last year in disrupting 21 criminal enterprises and freezing or taxing over £15.9 million of assets from criminals at all levels.

“Removing the profits and assets from the hands of criminals is a key tool in tackling organised crime and prevents criminals from reinvesting in further criminal enterprises and inflicting even more harm and damage on our communities.

The Minister continued: “It sends a very powerful message that crime doesn’t pay and OCTF together with ARA and our partner agencies will continue to bare down on criminality from whatever source.

“I welcome the Agency’s continual commitment and in particular, this years targets for restraining and recovering criminal assets in Northern Ireland."

He concluded by saying that the Agency is a key member of the OCTF and plays a vital role as part of a multi-agency approach and added that the staff are providing a vital service to the people of Northern Ireland.

(EF/SP)