Unexplained wealth laws passed to hit crime bosses

The Newman Government will strip criminals of their assets under new unexplained wealth laws passed in Parliament today.

The Criminal Proceeds Confiscation (Unexplained Wealth and Serious Drug Offender Confiscation Order) Amendment Bill 2012 will give Queensland the toughest laws in the nation for dealing with organised crime.  

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the new laws were aimed at hitting the ‘Mr Bigs’ of the crime world who may not be directly involved but still benefit financially from criminal activity.

“The old confiscation legislation allowed the Crown to seize the profits of people who have been charged with an offence,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Our new unexplained wealth laws cast the net wider to capture crime bosses who are pulling the strings but have escaped charges as there isn’t enough evidence to link them to the crime.

“This law sends a clear message we will not tolerate the state being used by organised crime gangs as a safe haven to store their proceeds of crime.

Under this legislation, drug traffickers will also be forced to forfeit all of their property, including gifts they have given to others in the six years before the offence to state.

“These people use drug money to fund lavish lifestyles, but the high and tragic cost is often paid by the community.”

“This Government is committed to tackling organised crime and the illegal drug trade to make Queensland a safer place for everyone.”

[ENDS] 1 May 2013

Media Contact: Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351