MSP calls for tough times on crimelords

Nov 17 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

LOCAL Tory politicians have called on the SNP Government to “get tough” with crime barons, writes Les Stewart.

They want the administration to take a much tougher line against criminals who are living off the financial proceeds of their nefarious activities.

Elizabeth Smith, the Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid- Scotland and Fife, and Gerald Michaluk, the Ochil and South Perthshire Conservative Westminster Candidate, have said there is a need to extend the current Proceeds of Crime Act.

Speaking during Justice Questions in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Smith – pictured – asked Ministers what plans they have to take forward the recommendations of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland in the Joint Thematic Report on The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

She said: “Scottish Conservatives believe that we need to go after the 'Mr. Big' and the we feel that the current law does not go far enough.

“Serious organised crime is a major problem and the consequences can be seen at every level in Scotland’s communities.

“Were it not for the criminals at the top of the tree, we would not have the same number of drug pushers or prostitutes on our streets or the same level of theft.

“We need tougher laws and that is why I am asking for a more robust approach.”

Mr Michaluk added: “Those convicted of serious organised crime, who often live in expensive properties abroad and drive top of the range cars, must demonstrate that the money by which they have funded this lifestyle was not obtained as a result of their criminality.

“If they cannot do so, then their assets should be forfeited. But we need to go further.

“We need to launch a fresh offensive against those who deal in human misery.

“We should copy what has happened elsewhere in the world and, if necessary, use the taxation system to combat the crime barons.”