Cross-Border co-operation cuts profits from crime

CROSS-BORDER police operations have intercepted criminal activity worth hundreds of millions of euro in recent years, according to a new report.

The first-ever Cross Border Organised Crime Assessment said while the vast majority of criminal activity was for personal profit, paramilitary organisations continued to be involved in some crimes.

The report said organised criminal groups and small-scale operators were involved in a range of crimes, including alcohol fraud; drugs trafficking; illegal immigration; counterfeiting; money-laundering; VAT fraud; oil fraud, tobacco smuggling; vehicle crime and illegal dumping.