Lawless welcomes new powers for Criminal Assets Bureau

Paul Lawless has welcomed the Criminal Assets Bill and the additional powers it would give to the Criminal Assets Bureau. The Bill will strengthen CAB’s investigative powers with a new provision to allow them to freeze a bank account if there’s a reasonable suspicion that it’s being used to hold proceeds of crime.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Aontú TD said: “It’s crucial that we tackle organised crime at the source and that means targeting the proceeds of crime. The new powers being given to CAB are a step in the right direction. We need to make sure that the tools are there to trace, freeze and seize money before it’s used to fund more harm in our communities.” 

Lawless continued to say that he hopes this will play a role in addressing the surge in online, phone and text message scams that are draining the savings from hardworking people across the country.

“These scams are not just annoying, they’re sophisticated, coordinated and costing people real money. Criminal gangs are using fake texts, spoofed numbers, and ‘passing off’ websites to empty people’s accounts. I know of a scenario where a woman was scammed of €1500. It was traced but nothing could be done to recoup the money. CAB must have the power to act quickly, follow the money and freeze it before it disappears.” 

Deputy Lawless stated Aontú fully supports the legislation that strengthens the hand of the State against organised crime and cyber fraud.

“People are sick of feeling like criminals are two steps ahead. This legislation is a good start but it must be matched by faster response times and better public education around fraud prevention.”