Press release
Minister Humphreys welcomes publication of the Annual Report of the Criminal Assets Bureau for 2020
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys TD, has today welcomed the Annual Report of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) for 2020. The report was submitted to the Minister by CAB and brought to Government by Minister Humphreys.
Welcoming the annual report, Minister Humphreys said:
"Even during the circumstances of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Criminal Assets Bureau continues to play a crucial role in deterring illegal activity by freezing and confiscating assets identified as deriving from the proceeds of crime. The Bureau is an example of international best practice in law enforcement and over the last 25 years has demonstrated how we, as a country, can lead the way in tackling serious crime.
"The 2020 Annual Report evidences the hard work and dedication of Chief Bureau Officer Mick Gubbins and all of the staff and agencies involved in CAB and I would like to thank them for their ongoing efforts and determination to deprive criminals of the benefits of their illegal activity. This government is fully committed to continuing to support the excellent work that the Bureau does.
"I welcome the agreement that was reached earlier this year between Minister Helen McEntee and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath to establish a new Community Safety Innovation Fund, to reflect the significant successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in disrupting criminal activity and seizing proceeds of crime by providing additional funding for investment in community safety projects. The fund will encourage and recognise the efforts of local communities on the ground to improve community safety based on their local experience and unique perspectives. Successful projects can then be shared across the country."
Some actions by the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2020 include:
A copy of the report is available here: Criminal Assets Bureau Annual Report 2020
CAB is an independent statutory body, established by the Criminal Assets Bureau Act, 1996. Its staff are drawn from An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection, and the Department of Justice. The Bureau’s statutory remit is to carry out investigations into the suspected proceeds of criminal conduct, to identify assets which derive from criminal activity, and to confiscate those assets and the proceeds of illegal activity. These actions are underpinned by the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 to 2016, and Social Welfare and Revenue legislation. CAB’s annual report sets out the actions taken by the Bureau throughout the year in targeting the proceeds of crime.