Crime Solicitors

The government is to introduce a new criminal offence of directing organised crime, in an attempt to bring to justice gang bosses who profit from crime.

In Scotland, a criminal charge of directing crime can carry a prison sentence of up to 14 years. A Whitehall official said the new offence would be included in the next Queen’s Speech.

The Home Office has estimated that there are around 5,500 organised criminal gangs operating in the UK – many are a threat to national security.

Home Secretary Theresa May is now launching the far-reaching initiative to target the “untouchables” of the criminal world – gangland bosses who are often protected from arrest because others carry out crime for them.

Figures from the National Audit Office (NAO) show that, out of the £920 million owed by some of the UK top criminals, around 80% is still unpaid.

Some of the criminals involved were ordered to repay the money as long ago as 1987.

A total of £500m is also owed by other convicted criminals.

The Home Secretary is considering other hardline punishments for gang bosses who fail to repay the proceeds of crime – including longer default jail terms.

Jailed criminals who resort to “tactical divorces” or who fraudulently allege others have a claim on their wealth will also face new laws to prevent them from hiding assets from the authorities.

The justice system will also make freezing criminal assets more efficient once a suspect is arrested.

The new measures will involve co-operation between several government departments, including HM Revenue and Customs, and Local Authorities – as well as countries which are known to be hotspots for UK criminals to hide their money.

The government will seek to establish agreements with countries like Spain, West Africa, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, where British criminals are known to hide the financial proceeds of crimes committed in the UK. Countries abroad may be harbouring as much as £200m from crime committed in the UK.

Once the new legislation is introduced, the police will be able to charge gang bosses with the offence that they are operating as part of a group set up for the purposes of criminal profit, even if they cannot be linked directly to any specific crime.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of criminal solicitors and can advise at any stage of a criminal charge – including charges involving serious crime such as murder, serious fraud or money laundering.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons – and are available 24/7.

In London, Duncan Lewis solicitors have four offices and a member of the crime team can be with you within 45 minutes.

For expert advice on criminal law and representation call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

For urgent out-of-hours criminal law advice or representation, call the 24-hour emergency assistance contact number 07920 077057.