Economic crime unit
The aim of the Economic Crime Unit is to protect the communities of Leicestershire from the impact of economic crime and to investigate offences and prosecute offenders. To achieve this, the Unit works in partnership with other agencies and regulatory bodies.
The Economic Crime Unit acts as a central reference point in relation to economic crime issues.
The Economic Crime Unit comprises of five separate teams:
- Asset Recovery, i.e. confiscation and money laundering.
- Fraud.
Each team operates in a distinct area of economic crime. Economic crime issues, for the purposes of operating practices in Leicestershire Constabulary, are:
- Asset confiscation in acquisitive and drug related crime prosecutions.
- Allegations of money laundering offences relating to serious and organised crime.
- Allegations of major and complicated fraud (as defined by National Fraud Case Vetting Criteria).
- Allegations of crime committed by the practices of solicitors, accountants and financial and regulated bodies.
- Allegations of corrupt practice in public and private sectors.
- Allegations relating to electioneering offences.
- Advice on cash seizure powers enforceable through the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The Economic Crime Unit is also responsible for providing specialist support and advice to areas and departments to assist them in achieving their aims and objectives and in particular provide expert advice.