UKBA and Scottish Police target criminal activity

The UK Border Agency has teamed with the Scottish Security Industry Authority in an effort to clamp-down on illicit activities behind closed doors, with money launderers and drug dealers high on the agenda.

Scottish authorities have long held the belief that housing estates and gated communities north of the border are home for much of the country’s illegal activity. To combat this, a wave of lightning strikes has been launched against residents.

Many housing estates feature a lone security guard either on patrol or stationed at the front gate. Recent raids have included all such guards as they are queried over the work status, correct license holdings and for attempted benefit fraud. Most recently dozens of officers carried out inspections, at night, around Strathclyde and Barhead.

Changes to SIA legislation recently have seen mandatory licensing for security guards, doormen, CCTV operators and bodyguards. Failure to produce a license can mean a 6 month prison sentence or £5000 fine while employers can face years in jail and huge penalties.

The SIA claims the raids are a clear sign that criminal organisations cannot act with impunity and that authorities hope to disrupt illegal activities they way they have themselves disrupted the community. Officers claim that gangs involved with human trafficking, guns and drugs often use real companies as a front, something that creates unwarranted headaches for legitimate organisations. The campaign against organised crime will attempt to stop the intermingling of illegal money with legal which makes detection so difficult.

Organised crime is worth an estimated £2.6 billion in Scotland, the majority of which is related to Class A drugs.