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New powers to crackdown on Scots gangsters

Police
Police

Plans have been unveiled to give Scotland new powers to crack down on gangsters who try to evade the law.

Law enforcement agencies will be able to seize criminal assets more quickly, close loopholes used to get round confiscation, and target those who avoid paying.

The measures are included in a new Serious Crime Bill being tabled at Westminster by the Home Office, following requests from the Scottish Government.

Scotland has a similar, but separate, confiscation regime than England and Wales.

More than £56million of criminal assets have been seized in Scotland since 2010.

The Bill would increase prison sentences for failing to pay confiscation orders and require judges to consider attaching overseas travel bans to confiscation orders and restraint orders.

It would also allow assets to be frozen more quickly and earlier in investigations, and ensure individuals who abscond before being convicted are subject to confiscation.

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “Serious criminals will be hit harder and faster in the pocket under the measures we have asked to be included in the Serious Crime Bill.

“The legislation will mean tougher sentences, faster asset seizure and will crack down on those who seek to escape abroad without paying back for the damage they have done through our unique CashBack for Communities scheme which invests crooks’ cash in facilities and activities for our young people.

“The Bill will also close a loophole which means that offenders can no longer dodge paying confiscation orders by serving default sentences.”

Karen Bradley, minister for organised crime, said: “Crime should not pay but criminals will always seek new ways to hide the proceeds of their illegal activity.

“By strengthening the system to make it harder for them to hide or spend their ill-gotten gains, their victims and hard-working taxpayers will get back what is owed to them.”