CORRUPT lawyers, accountants, landlords and couriers could be jailed for five years if they ignore crimes they profit from under a new law.
A new offence of “participation in an organised crime group,” will target anyone who helps gangs by not asking why they require their services.
Ministers said the legislation is aimed at criminal “associates” who aid illegal activity and later deny any knowledge of it in court.
Professionals drawing up contracts, landlords renting out warehouse space or couriers delivering packages with a “no questions asked” approach are in the frame.
“For too long corrupt lawyers, accountants and other professionals have tried to evade justice by hiding behind a veneer of respectability,” said Organised Crime Minister Karen Bradley.
“This new offence sends out a clear message to those individuals – if you are helping to oil the wheels of organised crime, you will be prosecuted and face being jailed.”
Via Morning Star