NI: New proceeds of crime codes of practice to come into effect
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Naomi Long
New codes of practice to help disrupt the activities of organised crime groups in Northern Ireland will come into force at the end of June, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
The three revised codes and one new code issued under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) will bring Northern Ireland into line with legislative provisions in other parts of the UK.
The Department of Justice said the codes are expected to enter force at the same time as the planned commencement of the Criminal Finance Act 2017 provisions in Northern Ireland at the end of June.
A range of preparatory work is also underway to follow commencement, including new arrangements for court rules as well as training for investigators in the operation of the new provisions.
Mrs Long said: “Organised crime is completely and utterly unacceptable, and we must do all we can to prevent it, to pursue offenders and to protect individuals, communities and business in Northern Ireland from its impact.
“I am committed to tackling organised criminality in all its forms, alongside partners in the Organised Crime Task Force. I want to send a clear message that crime does not pay, it is not low risk and high profit, criminals are not beyond the law and their ill-gotten gains are not beyond reach.”
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