10/09/2003
Agency freezes £1.5m in criminal assets
Over £1.5 million worth of assets belonging to a murdered loyalist have been frozen by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA), Security Minister Jane Kennedy announced today.
A receiver has been appointed to take control of, and manage the assets of, dead loyalist Jim Johnston, who was shot dead at his Co Down home in May.
It is believed Mr Johnston derived his earnings from drug dealing however this has never been proven in a court of law.
Welcoming the news, SDLP Justice spokesperson, Alban Maginnis said: "While we welcome today's announcement we remain concerned that ARA doesn't have the powers, resources and procedures right to match the success of the Criminal Assets Bureau in the South.
"The British Government must put its money were its mouth is and give the ARA staff and resources matching those of CAB."
Speaking today in the House of Commons the Minister said she believed today's move was just one of many against such criminals.
TheMinister also confirmed that 10 cases were currently under investigation by the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland.
(MB)
A receiver has been appointed to take control of, and manage the assets of, dead loyalist Jim Johnston, who was shot dead at his Co Down home in May.
It is believed Mr Johnston derived his earnings from drug dealing however this has never been proven in a court of law.
Welcoming the news, SDLP Justice spokesperson, Alban Maginnis said: "While we welcome today's announcement we remain concerned that ARA doesn't have the powers, resources and procedures right to match the success of the Criminal Assets Bureau in the South.
"The British Government must put its money were its mouth is and give the ARA staff and resources matching those of CAB."
Speaking today in the House of Commons the Minister said she believed today's move was just one of many against such criminals.
TheMinister also confirmed that 10 cases were currently under investigation by the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland.
(MB)
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