Northern Ireland Office

Paul Goggins MP, Policing and Justice Minister and chair of the Organised Crime Task Force today praised the work of HM Revenue and Customs in securing a confiscation order to the value of over £3.3 million derived from the proceeds of tax evasion.

The Minister said: "I welcome today’s judgement. This sends out a clear message that the forces of law and order are determined to take back any money or assets gained through criminal activity.

“This year so far OCTF partners have seized or frozen over £14m of criminal assets and will continue to make sure that crime doesn’t pay. These assets will be ploughed back into the fight against organised crime.”

Note to editors

Patrick and John McParland were given a four year sentence, suspended for five years, fined £2.2m and ordered to pay £3.3m in confiscation orders for unpaid income tax and interest due.