What steps it proposes to take to strengthen the existing provisions on the confiscation and recovery of the proceeds of crime.

The UK Government and the Scottish Executive are today issuing proposals to unify the powers of criminal confiscation, create new powers of civil recovery, strengthen existing money laundering powers, and introduce new arrangements to enable tax to be levied on income believed to derive from criminal activity. We are inviting comments from a wide range of interests. The consultation period closes on 25 May.Many of these proposals are reserved
- for example, confiscation of the proceeds of drug trafficking, money laundering, and taxation
- while others are devolved. We aim to strengthen public confidence in the justice system; undermine harmful role models and deprive criminals of working capital. We have taken the view that comprehensive, UK legislation will be more workable and effective than complex, complementary legislation in both Parliaments, and will avoid loopholes that could create of safe havens for criminals either side of the Border.The Bill will contain separate Scottish clauses to ensure that the new powers are fully consistent with Scots law and procedures.We will, of course, be seeking the agreement of the Scottish Parliament in due course.