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Experts to target criminals' cash Experts to target criminals' cash
(about 9 hours later)
Criminals in Northern Ireland are to be targeted by a reinforced team of police financial investigators.Criminals in Northern Ireland are to be targeted by a reinforced team of police financial investigators.
More than 60 specialist investigators are to be appointed to cover all eight policing districts.More than 60 specialist investigators are to be appointed to cover all eight policing districts.
Police said the move marked a "major new offensive" aimed at disrupting Northern Ireland's multi-million pound crime industry.Police said the move marked a "major new offensive" aimed at disrupting Northern Ireland's multi-million pound crime industry.
A PSNI spokesperson said the new investigators would "directly target criminals at all levels".A PSNI spokesperson said the new investigators would "directly target criminals at all levels".
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde is to present a cheque for £100,000 to be shared amongst the eight districts.Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde is to present a cheque for £100,000 to be shared amongst the eight districts.
The money is part of the proceeds seized from criminals in recent years, and will be used to further fight organised crime.The money is part of the proceeds seized from criminals in recent years, and will be used to further fight organised crime.
Last year the PSNI seized cash totalling £580,000.Last year the PSNI seized cash totalling £580,000.
Almost £232,000 has been seized in 33 operations since April.Almost £232,000 has been seized in 33 operations since April.
Dogs have been trained to sniff out cash The police have acquired specially-trained "cash dogs"
During the 2006-07 period, police obtained 14 confiscation orders worth £1.5m.During the 2006-07 period, police obtained 14 confiscation orders worth £1.5m.
Financial investigators can apply to the High Court to stop suspects selling off their property, land, cars or houses.Financial investigators can apply to the High Court to stop suspects selling off their property, land, cars or houses.
Recently the PSNI Financial Investigation Units obtained 27 successful restraint orders to prevent suspects selling off £11m worth of belongings bought through the proceeds of criminal activity.Recently the PSNI Financial Investigation Units obtained 27 successful restraint orders to prevent suspects selling off £11m worth of belongings bought through the proceeds of criminal activity.
The Financial Investigation Unit also invested in a number of specially-trained "cash dogs" that have the capacity to literally sniff out large amounts of illegal money.The Financial Investigation Unit also invested in a number of specially-trained "cash dogs" that have the capacity to literally sniff out large amounts of illegal money.
The animals were bought with confiscated cash.The animals were bought with confiscated cash.