Crimestoppers has launched a campaign appealing for information on individuals living a life of luxury off the proceeds of crime, with around £62m of assets recovered in London alone last year. The campaign, titled ‘Filthy Rich’, has been launched in London and is appealing to the public to contact the crime-fighting charity about people and businesses they know of who are gaining financially from crime.
This could be in the form of individuals living a lifestyle that is perhaps “too good to be true” – being in possession of expensive items such as luxury vehicles, taking regular trips abroad, owning multiple homes here or and abroad, or simply flashing their cash regularly – all potentially acquired through criminal activity. You may think this is a crime that doesn’t affect you, but you would be wrong.
The types of crimes these individuals are committing include drug dealing, burglary and fraud, with the latter said to cost the UK public £52 billion each year, according to the Annual Fraud Indicator. It is not just individuals who are attempting to get away with this crime, however. Businesses also benefit from illegally obtained income through crimes such as arranging fraudulent mortgages, selling stolen mobile phones or money laundering, using what would appear to be a legitimate company to disguise their criminal activity.
Regan Hook, Crimestoppers Campaigns Manager for London, said: “Those living off the proceeds of crime are living a life of luxury, while the victims of their crimes pay the price both emotionally, and in most cases, financially. When criminal funds are derived from robbery, extortion, embezzlement or fraud, a money laundering investigation is frequently the only way to locate the stolen funds and restore them to the victims.
“You go out and earn an honest living, so why shouldn’t these criminals? Do you think it’s fair that they are living a lavish lifestyle with money obtained from innocent people? If not, then tell us who they are, not who you are, and contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and we’ll do the rest. If you have any information on anyone who is living off the proceeds of crime please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form.
For further information on the campaign, see https://crimestoppers-uk.org/in-your-area/london/central-london/filthy-rich/
