new offences of directing or being involved in organised crime.
"For too long the gangsters of the criminal underworld have been able to direct their evil enterprises and operate with apparent impunity, profiting on the backs of decent hard-working Scots and their families. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill is proposing new offences of directing or being involved in organised crime. A consultation on the details of any new legislation is to seek the views of law enforcement organisations and other stakeholders involved in the fight against organised crime. When introduced the legislation's main objective would be to make it easier to convict those organised criminals who direct criminal operations. The proposals are expected to be endorsed today at the second meeting of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce. The Scottish Government will then develop proposals to be introduced to the Parliament at the earliest opportunity. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "This Government has already made clear its determination to tackle seriou...