The Police Service of Northern Ireland has announced that funds of over £189,000 have been forfeited under an Account Freezing Order.
Detective Inspector Dunne from the Economic Crime Unit said: “The money was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act following a proactive operation, which resulted in the arrest of a man, then aged 41, in Belfast on Wednesday 30 December 2020.
“Officers, assisted by colleagues from Belfast Harbour Police, seized a substantial amount of money and made the arrest in the West Bank Road area of the city.”
On 29 March 2023, as a result of a proceeds of crime investigation, Laganside Magistrates’ Court granted a forfeiture order in respect of £189,416.72 in favour of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Detective Inspector Dunne added: “This is another example of the impact the Account Freezing Order has in obtaining the proceeds of crime. Some of the funds forfeited will now be invested into local schemes and initiatives, which will have a positive impact on communities across Northern Ireland.
“Money laundering is often a critical enabler of organised criminality. We believe that the majority of this money is derived from a range of criminal activity carried out by organised crime gangs.
“We, along with our partners, remain committed to robustly pursuing those who are involved in laundering criminally-derived money, and would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101.”
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.