Jamaica government focusing on removing profit from crime

National security minister cautions those who help criminals launder the proceeds of their crimes will be caught when the dragnet closes in. (File photo)

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Wednesday March 21, 2012 – Lawyers, real estate brokers, accountants and all others who facilitate, accommodate or benefit from the profits of crimes have been put on notice.

National security minister, Mr. Peter Bunting has cautioned those who helped criminals launder the proceeds of their crimes, that they too will be caught when the dragnet closes in on the “kingpins” of crimes.

Speaking during the 30th anniversary banquet of Allied Security Protection Limited on Saturday, Mr. Bunting made it clear that there needed to be a new paradigm shift in the country’s crime fighting techniques.

That, he said, would mean focusing on removing profit from crime, and bringing down the full weight of the law against not only those who commit the crimes, but those who facilitate them. Such persons include lawyers, bankers, accountants and real estate brokers.

Mr. Bunting added that it was Government’s intention to expand the Proceeds of Crime Act, giving the court power to seize assets of the facilitators of major crimes. This will also be backed by anti-gang legislation, and dismantling criminal networks.

The minister made it clear that a reduction in crime and anti-social behavior were pre-requisites for sustained expansion of the economy and the creation of jobs.

He noted that the large number of employed youth created the setting for crime and other forms of anti-social behavior. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)