Scottish Government
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Response to Proceeds of Crime report

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today reponded to a joint report by the Inspectorate of Prosecution and the Inspectorate of Constabulary into the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He signalled his determination to work with the members of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce to maximise recovery of the proceeds of crime.

Mr MacAskill said:

"I welcome this Joint Inspection Report into the Proceeds of Crime Act.

"Serious organised criminals will use every means at their disposal to make money. The Scottish Government and law enforcement agencies are determined to stop them. This report will help inform the work already going on, led by the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, to tackle these gangsters.

"Although the Report identifies a need to mainstream financial investigation in our police forces, we have already announced a pilot scheme reinvesting the proceeds of crime into more financial investigation work, helping our police track down these criminals illegal activities.

"The Taskforce's recently published Strategy has made the recovery of criminals' assets one of its top priorities and I note that the report highlights the need for leadership by the Taskforce on this important issue.

"Cash recovered from these criminals will continue to be reinvested into our communities through the CashBack for Communities scheme. This initiative already has done and will continue to, make a huge difference to the lives of our youngsters.

"However, we are not complacent. The report identifies a number of areas where we could be quicker and smarter in order to stay one step ahead of those who seek to strip those living in our communities of their hard-earned cash.

"We know we need to do more and we will look at the report's recommendations closely and take whatever action is necessary in order to relieve these criminals of their ill-gotten gains."

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