$5 Million Worth of Criminal Assets Go Under the Hammer in Belfast

An estimated £2.7 million worth of criminal assets seized by the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland go under the hammer in Belfast tonight. The Agency has arranged for the sale by public auction of 18 seized residential properties that were obtained through the proceeds of wide range of serious criminal activity.

The properties in tonight’s sale are located in Lurgan, Coleraine, Newtownabbey, Magheralin, Carryduff and Belfast. The net proceeds of their sale, once mortgage and other existing liabilities are met, will be recycled into the fight against crime.

Commenting on the first substantial sale of seized criminal assets in Northern Ireland, Alan McQuillan, ARA Interim Director said: “The auction of these properties tonight is proof that the extensive powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act work in taking the profit out of crime.

“It sends out the clear message that crime will not pay and that we together will our partners in the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) are determined to vigorously purse those in our community who attempt to prosper from crime.

“We want everyone here to know that their concerns about people profiting from crime are being acted on. We want criminals to know that there will be no hiding place for their ill-gotten gains.

“This is part of a continual stream of assets currently being taken out of the hands of criminals, sold and the proceeds used for the benefit of everyone in the community.

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