UK: New strategy to combat organised crime

New strategy to combat organised crime

The Home Secretary has unveiled plans to make the UK "one of the most difficult environments in the world" for organised crime.

Mr Blunkett said that modern organised criminals are sophisticated, organised and determined. They operate across global frontiers in tight-knit gangs and exploit modern technology to commit crime.

Evidence also suggests that many terrorists finance their activities through organised crime.

The Government's white paper sets out a new strategy to deter and disrupt criminal gangs and protect our neighbourhoods, by:

Introducing new powers to disrupt criminal activity and convict those responsible;

Making better, more strategic use of our existing powers, such as tax, immigration and planning laws; and

Creating the powerful new Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), which will work closely with specialist prosecutors, police forces, border agencies and the Assets Recovery Agency.

Launching 'One Step Ahead: A 21st Century Strategy to Defeat Organised Criminals' today, Mr Blunkett said:

"The strategy I am setting out today will reduce the harm organised crime causes on our streets and make the UK one of the most difficult environments in the world for organised criminals to operate."

The Home Secretary also announced even closer co-operation by the UK's border agencies - the Immigration Service, Special Branch and Customs.

"We will never succeed in tackling organised crime or terrorism unless our borders are as secure as they can be," said Mr Blunkett.

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