This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Crime cash milestone reached
06/02/2007
More than £10 million has been recovered from criminals since the introduction of the Proceeds of Crime Act in 2003, it was announced today.
Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini QC said:
"Year on year we are continually achieving a sustained increase in the amount of confiscation orders we secure. This is further proof that crime does not pay and that we will use the full extent of the law to track down and recover the proceeds of crime."
"The message is clear, should you seek to profit from crime then not only may you be sent to prison for a significant amount of time but the proceeds from your criminal activity may also be confiscated, whether this be cash, property or vehicles."
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said:
"Crime in Scotland is falling and violent crime is at its lowest level since devolution. But there are still too many individuals in Scotland suffering at the hands of those involved in serious, organised and violent crime.
"Through the powers in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 we are clamping down on those involved in evil trades like drug dealing by stripping them of their ill-gotten gains. As this impressive milestone today shows, the Crown Office, the police and the courts are increasingly hitting these individuals in their pockets and forcing them to pay something back for the misery they cause. "An additional deterrent to criminals - but also some much-needed support for communities. The money seized is now being reinvested by the Executive in those areas hardest hit by violent crime - improving the quality of life of local people and restoring confidence in those communities."
Money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act, up to a maximum of £17 million a year, is invested by Scottish Ministers in community projects aimed at alleviating the effects of crime. If more than £17 million is recovered in any financial year the balance is sent to the UK Treasury.
The National Casework Division of COPFS, which deals with the confiscation of the proceeds of crime following conviction, has secured confiscations of more than £10million since the Proceeds of Crime Act was introduced.