€279k
Assets seizures up 10-fold in a year
CRIMINAL Assets Bureau staff clobbered suspected criminals by freezing in excess of €7million in assets last year – more than 10 times the €643,000 total in 2016.
It said its activities led to €4.3million being returned to the Exchequer using proceeds of crime laws and Revenue and Social Protection measures.
That is an increase of €500,000 on the €3.8million recouped in 2016.
A breakdown of the annual CAB report, which was before the Dail yesterday, showed that proceeds of crime cases brought before the High Court more than doubled to 28.
And more than €297,000 was seized from dole cheats.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “The Bureau brought 28 new proceeds of crime cases before the High Court last year. This is the highest number commenced in a single year since its establishment.
“In addition, the value of assets frozen during the year was €7.02million with taxes and interest demanded valued at €14million and social welfare savings amounting to €471,000. I commend all concerned for their great work.”
Mr Flanagan said he was particularly pleased by the strong focus on targeting gangs linked to serious and organised property crime such as burglaries.
He added: “I am particularly pleased to hear about the continuing expansion and development of the Divisional Asset Profiler Network which now includes some 345 trained profilers. Charlie “These are key local Flanagan TD level personnel who support the development and progress of investigations.”
The agency was set up in 1996 following the murder of crime journalist Veronica Guerin. Currently headed by Detective Chief Superintendent Pat Clavin, it has stripped dozens of criminals of their riches over the past two decades.
Since 2012, CAB has returned €29.75million to the State with Revenue legislation the most lucrative legal tool netting over €15million for the State.
In 2013 the High Court struck out proceedings brought by mobster John Gilligan and his family against CAB.
In July 2016 the courts paved the way for the agency to finally sell the crime lord’s Jessbrook Equestrian Centre in Enfield, Co Kildare.
A number of properties in Blanchardstown and Lucan obtained by his wife Geraldine were also sold off.
Acting Garda Commissioner Donall O Cualain said: “I note the money returned to the State increased from €3.8million in 2016 to €4.3million last year.
“The returns show an increase in proceeds of crime, taxes and social welfare actions.”
I commend all those concerned for their great work in the CAB CHARLIE FLANAGAN
DUBLIN YESTERDAY