TARGETING PROCEEDS OF CRIME IN THUNDER BAY
Gravelle and Mauro announce $494,162 in Funding for Asset Forfeiture Project
Police efforts to target criminals and seize the proceeds of their criminal activities will get a boost with funding from the McGuinty government, MPP Michael Gravelle and MPP Bill Mauro announced today.
The province is investing $494,162 to fund three initiatives of the Asset Forfeiture Unit – a partnership of the OPP and 17 police services, including Thunder Bay Police Service. The funding will provide resources in forensic accounting, financial intelligence and asset management to help police services identify, seize and manage the proceeds of crime in their communities.
The funds come from proceeds of crime seized by the province. Under federal legislation, police and prosecutors can seize assets obtained through criminal activities. Ontario’s Proceeds of Crime (POC) Front Line Policing (FLP) Grant Program makes these funds available to municipal police services, First Nations police services and Ontario Provincial Police to fund crime prevention initiatives.
QUOTES
“By using the ill-gotten gains of criminals to fight crime, our government is removing the incentive for crime and helping to keep our community safe.”
– Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North
“Using funds from proceeds of crime to support more policing and valuable community initiatives, sends a signal to criminals and supports worthwhile community endeavours.”
– Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan
“We’re making available more resources to help police fight crime. This initiative deprives criminals of the proceeds of crime and provides more resources for our hard-working police who are working to make Ontarians safer and stronger in Thunder Bay and in other communities across the province.”
— Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
