Crime pays for community projects

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8114576.stm

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A new community fund will redirect ill-gotten gains from crime to arts and social projects in affected areas.

The Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), Security Minister Paul Goggins, launched the fund, worth £175,000 on Tuesday.

Last year, over £30 million in criminal assets were seized, according to the new OCTF report.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO)already directs 50% of assets recovered back into frontline law enforcement.

The 2008/09 OCTF report states that a total of £23m of illegal drugs were recovered and more than £2m of counterfeit goods and nearly 1m litres of illegal fuel seized.

Eleven victims of human trafficking were also rescued.

Speaking at the launch NIO minister Paul Goggins said:

"Organised crime blights many communities in Northern Ireland whether that is through extortion, drug dealing or fuel fraud.

"Those communities deserve better and this new fund will help those making a positive contribution in these vulnerable areas to continue their work.

"This new initiative is only the beginning and we will build upon it in the coming years as the OCTF continues to take assets from criminals in Northern Ireland."