Stephen Farry stated:
“There may well be advantages to a more integrated approach to dealing with organised crime, but there is a need for dedicated assets recovery work to continue.
“The Assets Recovery Agency is still finding its feet. Northern Ireland continues to suffer from paramilitarism and organised crime, and its legacy. Many have profited from illegal activity.
“It is critical that this vital continues to be developed. Assets recovery work must not be allowed to be sidelined as a secondary issue. In particular, work on a large number of smaller cases are allowed to proceed.”
ENDS