NCJ Number
215085
Date Published
July 2006
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This paper explains the proposals for new powers against organized and financial offenses in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
Proposals relate to: (1) data sharing, particularly between the government and both the public and private sector; (2) streamlining the criminal justice process; (3) establishing a new civil order called the “Serious Crime Prevention Order” to impose binding conditions to prevent serious crime; and (4) recovering the assets of organized and financial criminal activities. One strategy in the fight against organized crime is to disrupt the risk/reward relationship for organized and financial criminals. Components of this strategy involve helping victims protect themselves, reducing the demand for illicit products, targeting resources against the most serious offenders, improving law enforcement efficiency, and developing alternative methods to disrupt organized crime. The importance of the continued role of international cooperation in law enforcement efforts against organized and financial crimes is underscored, as is the importance of increasing knowledge and data sharing among government and related agencies. Practical steps for government agencies that should reduce financial crime, fraud, and money laundering are outlined. Steps include the recommendation that government agencies share information with the public and private sectors; establish a mechanism for the public and private sectors to share information on frauds; match Suspicious Activity Reports against data in other departments’ databases to develop intelligence; expand the scope of the Audit Commission’s National Fraud Initiative; and establish a mechanism to allow law enforcement and the public sector to examine public and private databases for intelligence data. Streamlining the investigation and prosecution process is discussed along with maximizing the impact of penalties through asset recovery. Comments on these proposals are invited from law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and financial institutions and regulated bodies; the closing date for comments is October 17, 2006.