An annual review revealed that more than 3,000 arrests, involving people known to be involved in serious organised crime, were made in the past 12 months PA:Press AssociationApproximately 200 serious crime groups are operating in Scotland, with the majority masquerading as seemingly legitimate businesses. The full scale of organised criminality in the country was outlined yesterday by the justice secretary and senior legal and political officials. An annual review revealed that more than 3,000 arrests, involving people known to be involved in serious organised crime, were made in the past 12 months. The review also showed that £9 million was seized from companies and individuals involved in criminality, taking the total to more than £100 million since 2002. James Wolffe, QC, the lord advocate, claimed that significant progress was being made and that Scotland was now one of the most difficult places in the world for crime groups to operate.

Source: The Times November 04, 2016 00:02 UTC