Written answers

Wednesday, 22 November 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Crime Levels

9:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents of money laundering detected here and throughout Europe in the past five years; if sufficient expertise, technology and co-operation has been achieved to deter this activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39564/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The information conveyed to me by the Garda Authorities relates solely to this jurisdiction and I am informed that seventeen individuals have been prosecuted in the past five years for money-laundering offences. In addition, a number of 'money-laundering' schemes have been uncovered during Garda investigations into serious and organised criminal groupings.

The Money Laundering Investigation Unit (MLIU) at the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation has primary responsibility for the investigation of money laundering offences in this jurisdiction, while the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is charged with depriving criminals and their networks of assets derived from criminal activity. A dedicated unit has been established within the Garda National Drugs Unit to investigate the financial aspects of drug-trafficking, as there is a clear nexus between drug-trafficking and money laundering.

As money laundering is a transnational crime which does not respect any borders, international co-operation is a key strategy to combat this type of crime. An Garda Síochána utilises Europol and Interpol and works in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies in Europe and elsewhere to target those suspected of involvement in this type of criminal activity.

To further the exchange of intelligence on those believed to be involved in this type of crime, twelve Memoranda of Understanding have been signed between various international Financial Intelligence Units and the Money Laundering Unit at the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation to facilitate co-operation at an international level in relation to the investigation of money-laundering offences.

I understand that local Garda management is satisfied that adequate resources, both in relation to technology and personnel, are currently available to An Garda Síochána to investigate this type of criminality.

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