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Monday, 10 May 2010 |
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Glasgow Scottish National Party MSP, Bob Doris, has called on local youth groups to come forward and stake their claim for cash following the biggest ever recovery of criminal assets under Proceeds of Crime legislation.
The Scottish Money Laundering Unit worked in conjunction with Russian authorities to investigate Moscow-based businessman Anatoly Kazachkov (64) after a suspicious bank transfer of $10 million from an account in Hungary to a Scottish bank in 2004. £6.5 million was finally recovered by the Crown Office under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The seized cash will now be invested in community projects through the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities initiative.
Bob Doris MSP said: "This is the biggest single haul to date and I praise not just the efforts of Scottish agencies but also the Russian authorities for their display of international co-operation, without which this criminal network would not have been brought to justice.
"Criminal assets seized under this legislation have already benefited numerous organisations. The Royston Youth Action group, whom I recently sponsored in a funding bid, were awarded £8,000 only back in December, to provide activities for local youngsters in north Glasgow. I will now be working with other groups across the city to get funding applications ready."
"Youth Scotland also administer the CashBack for Communities Small Grants Scheme. The next deadline for this fund is 1 June 2010 and it can be accessed online here. £1,000 to set up a new youth group or £2,000 for a new project could make a big difference to local voluntary groups.
"The Scottish Government is determined that the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, the police and all the various law enforcement agencies are supported in their efforts to shut down criminal networks.
"The message this sends out to organised criminals is clear - We will find out what you're doing and we will take everything you have."
The Scottish Government has also just announced £1.6 Million to fund The Junction project, a collaboration between Fairbridge in Scotland, The Venture Trust, The Prince's Trust Scotland and Venture Scotland. The scheme will bring together the extensive experience of the four organisations in working with vulnerable young people.
Mr Doris added: "I am delighted that Fairbridge in Maryhill will be extending their activities through The Junction Project. Fairbridge already proves an exceptional service in dealing with many of the issues faced by young people in the 13-25 age group who may need a helping hand into employment or education, or who may have fallen into addiction and criminal lifestyles.
"Many communities in Glasgow suffer from disproportionate problems with youth delinquency, alcohol and drug addiction, and a lack of employability and training opportunities.
"We need serious action to tackle these problems. Taking cash straight from crooks and handing it to community organisations provides ultimate justice. Communities that have been blighted by the activities of criminal gangs are now getting tangible benefits from assets seized."
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