New powers to fight 'untouchable' firms
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HAULAGE COWAN IES could be forced to reveal sensitive information to the authorities if plans to crack down on organised crime go ahead.
The proposals being considered by the Home Office could mean firms would have to hand over to law enforcers all their sales and customers' details to help in the prosecution of law-breaking companies and individuals who see themselves as 'untouchable'.
Police could be granted powers by a court to obtain the information they need to restrict the activities of individuals and organisations under suspicion.
Rod Fletcher. head of fraud and regulation at the law firm Russell Jones & Walker, says the haulage industry could be a target where the police wanted a -clear audit trail" for firms suspected of illegally importing goods from Europe.
"The essence of the proposal is to prevent crimes taking place," he says.
A notice published in a circular widely read by the industry would indicate that the police were monitoring a particular company.