Gangsters plundering millions from the Northern Ireland economy are being increasingly tackled, Northern Secretary Dr John Reid declared today.
He said: "Our grip is tightening on organised crime and no effort will be spared in the fight against the tyranny of gangsterism in Northern Ireland".
Dr Reid spelt out tough new plans at the unveiling of the Organised Crime Task Force's stress assessment and strategy.
The latest assessment comes just days after a £10 million fraud ring based in the province's construction industry was smashed. It was the latest success for the Organised Crime Task Force, a multi-agency body including customs, police, the Northern Ireland Office and Inland Revenue, which was set up in September 2000.
In its first report last year, it said 78 groups were involved in organised crime in Northern Ireland, 39 of which were linked to paramilitary organisations.
But pledging to continue the fight against the racketeers, Dr Reid outlined plans involving Proceeds of Crime legislation and the creation of an Assets Recovery Agency.
"This will have the power to confiscate the assets of criminals whose extravagant lifestyles are an affront to us all," Dr Reid said.
PA