£1.2m in seized criminal assets reinvested in Northern Ireland communities

£1.2m in seized criminal assets reinvested in Northern Ireland communities The proceeds have been invested in a range of local initiatives aimed at reducing crime, building resilience and improving community confidence. 13:11, 12 Aug 2026 More than £1.2 million of seized criminal assets have been redirected to voluntary and community projects in Northern Ireland over the last three years. ‌ The proceeds have been invested in a range of local initiatives through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS). ‌ These include programmes aimed at reducing crime, building resilience and improving community confidence. ‌ A range of assets seized by police and found to be proceeds of crime can be used to fund the ARCS, including cash found during searches, property, such as houses, land and commercial premises purchased with criminal proceeds, vehicles linked to criminal activity and business assets and investments. Justice Minister Naomi Long said organised crime gangs "exist to accumulate wealth and they do so by exploiting people and spreading misery across our communities". "Through the Organised Crime Task Force, law enforcement agencies respond to this by using asset recovery powers to confiscate criminal assets," she said. ‌ "Removing profits that fund crime not only breaks the cycle of criminal activity to prevent further offences occurring, but it also allows us to use the assets seized to invest in key projects that help to reduce crime and make a positive difference to communities. "These include programmes working with young people to build skills and confidence, address antisocial behaviour and reduce reoffending, as well as schemes supporting victims of modern slavery, domestic abuse and hate crime. "In addition, we have funded programmes raising awareness of fraud , scams and organised crime and providing support for community safety initiatives. ‌ "I've had the opportunity to visit some initiatives funded by ARCS and it's been very encouraging to hear first-hand how young people and communities are benefiting from the relentless efforts of law enforcement partners to target those who profit from harm, exploitation, and fear." One of the projects benefiting is the Marrowbone Community Hub in north Belfast , which was allocated £11,320 for 2026/27 to deliver the Bone Intervention Project. It provides opportunities for young people, aiming to address antisocial behaviour, reduce the risk of offending and reoffending, and strengthen relationships between young people and local residents. ‌ Senior youth worker Shannen O'Connor said they have been working with 40 young people who were on the streets engaging in antisocial behaviour and were at risk of coming into contact with youth justice. "We've seen a massive impact and the young people have really benefited from our services. They've done community clean-ups, organised community fun days and have become role models for others," she said. Billy Boyd, programme co-ordinator at the Community Sports Network's (CSN) Fresh Start programme – which enables ex-offenders to participate in an outdoor exploration programme to tackle reoffending – said the ARCS funding is "an invaluable support". ‌ "It allows us to provide transformative experiences using physical activity and the outdoor environment to support ex-offenders following release from prison," he said. "Recognising the value of engaging individuals in positive and often challenging activities can ignite a spark and illuminate a new and better sense of self and direction for these individuals. "CSN endeavours to promote a better sense of purpose and direction, channeling conversations around a more meaningful lifestyle and choices going forward." Article continues below For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .