STRONGER POWERS FOR NSW CRIME COMMISSION TO COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME

The NSW Crime Commission will be given new powers comparable to the Independent Commission against Corruption and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission to ensure property and assets associated with serious organised crime are confiscated or seized.
 
The powers follow a statutory review of the Crime Commission Act 2012 (the Act), which recommended swift confiscation proceedings where assets have been derived from serious criminal offences such as cybercrime.
 
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the Crime Commission would be tasked with a renewed mission to swiftly prevent, disrupt and reduce the incidence of organised and other serious crime across the State.
 
“We want to ensure the laws operate effectively and efficiently to support the Commission in cracking down on those who put our community at risk through their criminal acts,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“As technology evolves so too does our ability to tackle increasingly complex crimes, whether it be money laundering, funding terrorism activities or drug trafficking.” 
 
The legislative amendments will mean the NSW Crime Commissioner no longer needs to apply for a civil confiscation order in the Supreme Court before disposing of unclaimed or abandoned assets. 
 
NSW Crime Commissioner Michael Barnes said the review also recommends strengthening information protections for the Commission and contempt procedures to deal with people who obstruct or hinder it.
 
“There’s no time to waste when it comes to criminal activity. The NSW Crime Commission now has the strength to combat organised crime swiftly. Implementing the recommendations of this review will ensure the NSW Crime Commission has the power to confiscate or seize property and assets associated with serious organised crime.” Commissioner Barnes said.
 
To read the Report and recommendations in full, visit NSW Parliament website.