Criminal Assets to Aid Communities

Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), Rt Hon Paul Goggins MP, has launched a new Community Fund for Northern Ireland which will direct assets seized from criminality back to communities most affected by organised crime.

The new scheme was announced at the launch of the OCTF annual report and threat assessment in Belfast this morning.

“I am delighted to launch a new Community Fund of £175,000 for Northern Ireland, which will direct assets recovered from criminals back into those communities most affected by organised crime."

“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.”

The new community fund will be made up solely from assets seized from criminality. The money will be provided to the Department of Social Development and Culture Arts and Leisure to be directed back to those communities most affected most affected by organised crime.

The full report of the OCTF can be found at www.octf.gov.uk