THE Criminal Assets Bureau is working to find a new HQ as it continues to expand, we can reveal.
The bureau is currently based at Walter Scott House, a building in Dublin 8.
But chiefs are currently liaising with the Office of Public Works to find new facilities for their 101 staff, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan says.
Last week, the Cabinet backed the most substantial reform to Ireland’s civil asset forfeiture laws since their inception back in 1996.
One of its key parts is cutting the time frame for selling assets deemed to be the proceeds of crime, from seven years to two.
And the CAB will get extra investigative powers, including the freezing of bank accounts that are suspected of holding dirty cash.
A bill to enact the changes will now go before the Dail.
Answering a parliamentary question, O’Callaghan said: “I am aware that the work of CAB is expanding and I am conscious that the expansion of its numbers will require further facilities.
“My department has submitted a proposal for funding for CAB accommodation.
“CAB is currently liaising with the OPW to find new accommodation. The Government will continue to support the growth and expansion of CAB to recover assets for the State.
“It is extremely important for criminals to know that if they stay in Ireland, their assets will be seized if it is not the case that they will be convicted and brought before the courts.”
The CAB’s major successes in recent years includes stripping Hutch thug James ‘Mago’ Gately of €600,000 worth of assets.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said that his department has submitted a proposal for funding for CAB accommodation.[/caption]
