Pubdate: Fri, 19 Dec 2003
Source: Bristol Evening Post (UK)
Copyright: 2003 Bristol Evening Post
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/2412
Website: http://www.epost.co.uk

RAISING STAKES IN WAR ON TRAFFICKERS

Avon and Somerset police's financial investigation unit is making sure
drug traffickers are being deprived of their ill-gotten gains. The
unit has increased in size - thanks to extra money from last year's
Council Tax precept - and is now able to devote more time to targeting
people who launder the proceeds of crime.

During the past 12 months, officers have made more than 40 arrests for
money laundering related to drug dealing and confiscated almost
UKP600,000, compared with UKP100,000 last year.

One detective and two police staff have joined the unit to work on
Moneyspinner, the operation to tackle money laundering.

Last April, Avon and Somerset Police Authority raised its Council Tax
precept to provide improvements in police resources. This included
recruiting 196 extra police officers and 164 staff.

Det Insp Richard Budd said: "The additional cash has helped us not
only to go out and arrest those dealing with drugs and laundering
money, but also to become involved in follow-up work and recover the
assets derived from these illegal activities.

"Removing the assets of criminals sends out a strong message that
crime doesn't pay."

If an offender is convicted of a serious drug related or criminal
offence, the courts will decide how much that person has benefited
from their crimes.

If, for example, that figure is UKP100,000 and the police investigation
shows that they have UKP40,000 in assets, then the court will confiscate
the UKP40,000.

Once the UKP40,000 has been paid, further confiscation can occur if the
person subsequently comes into possession of assets, even if this is
by legitimate means. This can continue until the benefit figure of
UKP100,000 has been achieved. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake