{"id":4217,"date":"2018-10-02T09:42:06","date_gmt":"2018-10-02T08:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.longkeshinsideout.co.uk\/?p=4217"},"modified":"2018-10-02T09:42:06","modified_gmt":"2018-10-02T08:42:06","slug":"small-businesses-in-ni-being-extorted-by-paramilitaries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.longkeshinsideout.co.uk\/?p=4217","title":{"rendered":"Small businesses in NI being extorted by paramilitaries"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Thousands of businesses across Northern Ireland could still be victims of extortion by criminal gangs, according to the taskforce set up to tackle paramilitaries.<\/p>\n

In its annual report, the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) said paramilitary groups are extorting small businesses.<\/p>\n

This includes racketeering of building sites in towns and cities.<\/p>\n

Illegal money lending is also believed to be continuing.<\/p>\n

Detective Superintendent Bobby Singelton said a range of businesses have been threatened with extortion.<\/p>\n

“They include small businesses, the likes of nail bars, tanning salons, restaurants and fast food delivery.”<\/p>\n

He said that many businesses “fear the repercussions of engaging in the criminal justice process”.<\/p>\n

The report said that offenders are using the internet and social media to carry out extortions.<\/p>\n

Attacks can vary from ransomware attacks to sextortion, a form of sexual exploitation online.<\/p>\n

Increase in criminal seizures<\/h2>\n

According to the OCTF annual report, there was a boost in criminal asset seizures last year.<\/p>\n

In total, the taskforce seized \u00a31.9m worth of criminal assets.<\/p>\n

The seizure of illegal drugs was also up by 24% from 5,500 in 2016\/17 to 6,872 in 2017\/18.<\/p>\n

The taskforce dismantled, frustrated or disrupted 183 organised crime groups, an increase of 42%.<\/p>\n

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Image caption The Organised Crime Task Force carried out 7,000 separate drug seizures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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It carried out 7,000 separate drug seizures.<\/p>\n

The taskforce, which was established in 2000, also helped rescue 36 potential victims of modern slavery.<\/p>\n

‘Making NI a safe space’<\/h2>\n

Criminal assets recovered from convicted offenders are reinvested for the benefit of the local community, according to Anthony Harbinson, Department of Justice director of safer communities.<\/p>\n

More than \u00a3947,000 was returned directly to law enforcement agencies, Public Prosecution Service and Courts Service to enhance further recovery of criminal assets.<\/p>\n

Mr Harbinson said that significant progress is also being made in protecting in protecting people and businesses against cybercrime.<\/p>\n

“Ultimately, to end the harm that is caused by organised crime and paramilitarism, we need a whole-societal response,” said Mr Harbinson.<\/p>\n

“I call on everyone to play their role in making Northern Ireland a safe place where we respect the law and each other by reporting crime and suspicious activity.”<\/p>\n

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