Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2005
227 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of properties seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau, arising from criminal investigations; if it is intended to accelerate this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35967/05]
View answerThe Criminal Assets Bureau takes civil proceedings focused on assets which are believed to be the proceeds of criminal conduct. These are civil investigations but will, in most cases, follow from earlier criminal investigations. The seizure of assets in criminal investigations or proceedings is carried out by the Director of Public Prosecutions under separate provisions.
The Criminal Assets Bureau takes actions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996, as amended, to seize property which is shown in the High Court to be the proceeds of crime. From its inception in 1996 to 31 December 2004, the total value of orders obtained under section 3 of the aforementioned Act is €14,973,250, Stg £2,830,175 and US $5,472,747.
The bureau continues to pursue its statutory objectives and carry out its statutory functions and will continue to target the proceeds of criminal conduct and to seize the proceeds of such conduct. The amendments in the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment Act) 2005 have enhanced the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau in this regard.
