§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Government agencies are responsible for tackling money laundering in the UK. [75076]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthA number of Government agencies have responsibility for combating money laundering in the United Kingdom.
In England and Wales, the Economic Crime Branch of the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) is responsible for the receipt, analysis and dissemination of all reports made in the United Kingdom which are indicative of a suspicion of money laundering. Subsequent investigations of a suspected money laundering offence are undertaken primarily by police forces, the National Crime Squad or Her Majesty's Customs and Excise (HMCE), but can also fall within the investigative remit of other agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office or Inland Revenue. Prosecutions for money laundering offences are conducted by the Crown Prosecution Service and HMCE.
In relation to Scotland, investigations of a suspected money laundering offence are carried out by the police and Customs and Excise under the direction of the procurator fiscal. Prosecutions are conducted by the Lord Advocate or his representative, the procurator fiscal.
In addition, the Financial Services Authority has the power to make rules on money laundering, and impose civil penalties for breaches of those rules. It also has the power to prosecute breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations. HMCE has responsibility for the oversight of Money Service Operators and has powers to prosecute for a range of money laundering offences.
632WIn November 2001, the Government published its National Asset Recovery Strategy drawn up by the Asset Recovery Committee. One of the central aims of the strategy is to prevent criminals and their associates from laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct, and to detect and prosecute such laundering where it occurs. The strategy has the support of the Departments and agencies involved in the fight against money laundering activity who have committed themselves to acting in accordance with its principles.