National Crime Agency
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SOCA strips businessman of multi million pound lifestyle
A helicopter, luxury villa and Bentley are among the assets recovered by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) in civil proceedings against a businessman in County Armagh.
The assets are part of a consent order, granted today by Belfast High Court, against Mark Niall McKinney, Beverley Suzanne McKinney and MMK International Transport Limited. The Order is to become effective at 9.30am on Monday 2nd March 2009, until then all assets remain frozen.
Other assets recovered under the order include the family home in Portadown, contents of a variety of bank accounts, residential and commercial property, prestige cars, a caravan and a boat.
In its civil recovery application, SOCA submitted that McKinney had derived the majority of his assets through money laundering, fraud, illegal trading, income tax and VAT evasion.
On 27the February2009 Mr McKinney agreed to settle SOCA's civil recovery proceedings under Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 by handing over assets to a minimum value of £3million.
A separate recovery order was made against former sub contractor and MMK driver Tony James McNeill.
Civil recovery is a vital tool in the fight against crime. It enables law enforcement agencies to bring civil proceedings against property held by individuals and recover assets which are believed to have been obtained through criminal conduct. For example, when those assets are held by a family member in an attempt to protect them.
This case was referred by PSNI in 2005. SOCA works closely with all law enforcement agencies, including HM Revenue and Customs.
The PSNI Economic Crime Bureau played a significant role in supporting SOCA action. D/C/Insp Kim McCauley, from the PSNI Economic Crime Bureau, said:
"This is an example of police working in partnership with
another law enforcement agency to ensure individuals do not
benefit from crime. We see joint working against Serious
Organised Crime as the best way forward to combat harm to our
economy and quality of life that these crimes
cause."
David Armond, SOCA Deputy Director of Proceeds of
Crime, said:
"SOCA is determined to ensure that crime doesn't pay. We know that taking away criminal assets hurts and we don't always have to bring a criminal prosecution to do it.
"Together with our partners we are using civil recovery powers and closing the net on all those who attempt to profit from their criminal activities."
Notes to editors:
1 The Consent Order was granted following an agreed settlement between SOCA and Mark McKinney, 44, and his wife 46 year old Beverley McKinney of 11 Woodlands Manor, Portadown, MMK Transport Limited, Seagoe Industrial Estate in Portadown. A separate order was granted against 45 year old Tony James McNeill address given Selshion Parade, Portadown
2 The recoverable assets include:
* Residential and commercial property in Portadown
* A luxury
villa in Spain
* Cash seized by the Receiver
* Contents of
16 bank accounts
* Luxury cars with personalised number plates
including a Bentley, a Range Rover and a Hummer
* An Augusta
Spa helicopter
* A caravan
* A boat
* Investment
Policies
* Family Home - 11 Woodlands Manor, Portadown
3 Interim Receiving Order obtained on 24th February 2006. The Receiver has been operating MMK legitimately for the duration of their appointment.
4 SOCA was formed in April 2006 to reduce harm by tackling serious organised crime. Reducing harm through tackling criminal finances and profits, including through asset recovery, is one of SOCA's Strategic Objectives. SOCA's other priorities include targeting Class A drugs, organised immigration crime, fraud against individuals and the private sector, hi tech crime, counterfeiting, the use of firearms and serious robbery. SOCA is an Executive Non Departmental Public Body sponsored by, but operationally independent from, the Home Office.
Enquiries to SOCA 0870 268 8100
