Putting Robin Hood out of business: a proceeds of crime case study

Abstract

Purpose

To demonstrate how the range of tools provided in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 can be used in a strategic and integrated way by law enforcement agencies against organised crime groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study takes the legend of Robin Hood and reworks the story, portraying Robin as a godfather of organised crime.

Findings

The paper shows how a combination of criminal confiscation proceedings, civil recovery proceedings, cash forfeiture proceedings, taxation action and money laundering charges can be used in an effective way against an organised crime group. It demonstrates how law enforcement should not just focus on taking away the liberty of criminals but how they should also focus on criminal assets and criminal markets.

Originality/value

The paper presents a strategic view of dealing with organised crime in an imaginative and humorous way.

Citation

Kennedy, A. (2006), "Putting Robin Hood out of business: a proceeds of crime case study", Journal of Money Laundering Control, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 19-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/13685200610645193