Serious and organised crime – ‘county lines’ drug dealing, people trafficking, child sexual exploitation, fraud and illicit finance – will be the subject of a formal review, says the Home Office. It points to National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates of more than 4,500 serious and organised crime groups in the UK, a cost to the UK economy of an estimated £37 billion a year.
The review will be led by Sir Craig Mackey, former Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner. The review will consider the powers, capabilities, governance and funding required to tackle threats across law enforcement and the justice system in England and Wales – including the NCA, local police forces and regional organised crime units. Sir Craig will deliver the report to Brandon Lewis, Minister for Security, in the spring.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “This review will help strengthen our response to these sickening crimes, building on the existing success of the NCA. The threat is growing, and offenders are becoming more sophisticated. Serious and organised criminals exploit children and ruthlessly target the most vulnerable in our society, ruining lives and blighting communities.
“We are committed to tackling crime and keeping our streets safe and I’m glad Sir Craig will bring his significant expertise and experience to this review, which will help ensure our system is fit for the modern world.”
A Serious and Organised Crime Strategy was published by the UK Government in November 2018.
Sir Craig Mackey said: “I am looking forward to engaging with the professionals across the system who work tirelessly to keep us safe from these criminals to understand how we might enable them to do even more to protect the public and bring criminals to justice.”
