HC Deb 22 May 2002 vol 386 c447W
Mr. Letwin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the cost of the Financial Crime Team was in the last 12 months; [48449]

(2)what the remit is of the Financial Crime Team; [48450]

(3)when the Financial Crime Team was established; [48448]

(4)how many members of staff are employed by the Financial Crime Team. [48451]

Mr. Blunkett

The Financial Crime Team was set up in April 2000 to secure delivery of the Government's policy on the recovery of criminal assets which is a priority for this Government. In particular, the Financial Crime Team is responsible forthe management and, if approved, implementation of the Proceeds of Crime Bill; the establishment of the proposed Assets Recovery Agency and Financial Investigation of Excellence; monitoring and development of the Asset Recovery Strategy; and the administration of the Recovered Assets fund and of a separate grant scheme for police financial investigators. The estimated operating costs of the team for the financial year 2001–02 were £0.41 million. 18 members of staff were in post on 31 March 2002.