A special taskforce on racketeering has completed a two-year investigation and submitted wide-ranging proposals to the Northern Secretary to crack down further on organised crime.
The investigation's findings, prepared by Prof Ronald Goldstock, who headed the Organised Crime Task Force, are secret. However, it is known that measures to counteract gangsterism in the construction industry are advocated, as are plans to expose charities which act as 'front' organisations for paramilitaries.
Prof Goldstock forecast that criminals would soon find it more difficult to operate.
The Northern Secretary, Mr Paul Murphy, is studying his proposals to place private investigators in firms engaged in government contracts to help eradicate protection scams and other rackets.
Other proposals include measures to prevent paramilitary groups, now more engaged in organised crime, from laying claim to certain communities.
He told the BBC: "What is essential is that, in Northern Ireland, all these paramilitary groups be delegitimised - they should not be allowed to put out flags, mark turf, colour sidewalks, put out symbols with aggressive murals of their ownership of property."
Prof Goldstock, who has countered organised crime in New York, was asked two years ago by the former Northern secretary, Dr John Reid, to propose anti-racketeering measures.
The taskforce, which involved the PSNI, the Inland Revenue, the Northern Ireland Office and other bodies, has already made a number of proposals, some of which have been implemented.
These included the establishment of the Assets Recovery Agency under a former PSNI assistant chief constable, Mr Alan McQuillan.
Prof Goldstock said: "The more that a person flaunts their wealth right now, the more likely it is that they will become targeted by the police service and by the Assets Recovery Agency."
He warned that it would become more effective in targeting "the ill-gotten gains" of extortionists.
He also signalled a crackdown to expose charities "that are used only as vehicles for moving money and putting it in the pockets of criminals".
Mr Murphy has promised "detailed and considered" examination of the report.