Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
174. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Criminal Assets Bureau seizes assets acquired through white collar crime; and the level of such assets seized to date. [12702/16]
View answerI am informed that the Criminal Assets Bureau, pursuant to its statutory remit, targets wherever possible all proceeds of criminal conduct, including the proceeds of deception, fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption and other types of criminal activity generally understood to fall within the category of white collar crime.
Furthermore, the Bureau works closely with the Money Laundering Investigation Unit of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation in targeting such activity and I understand that this has, on many occasions, led to the successful targeting of assets deriving from from this type of criminal activity.
I understand that a breakdown of assets seized by reference to the heading of white collar crime is not readily available. However, more generally, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Annual Reports of the Bureau which do provide details of the activities of the Bureau during the particular year, including detailed statistics concerning actions taken in accordance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime, Revenue and Social Welfare legislation.
