Don't let your money fund serious crime

UK crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, is telling Newham, Hounslow and Derbyshire residents that they can prevent their money being used to fund serious crimes by only using registered money bureaus when transferring money abroad. [3 September 2009]

Some unregistered foreign exchange bureaus illegally launder money to fund crimes including: terrorism, people smuggling, weapons trading and drug cultivation. By using registered money bureaus to transfer money, Newham, Hounslow and Derby residents can make sure they are not unwittingly supporting organisations that are assisting criminals.

This message is particularly relevant during September as many faith groups transfer money to relatives or charities abroad in line with the celebrations of Eid, the birth of the blessed Mary, Navaratri and Rosh Hashanah.

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers' Director of Operations said: “September is a month of celebration for many faith groups. During this time, remember that your actions can impact on the safety of your local community. By using a registered money transfer agent you can ensure money you send abroad gets to where you want, without benefiting criminals on the way.”

Pass on information

Crimestoppers is appealing for residents to anonymously pass on information to the charity about people who are funding crime. People can pass on information anonymously through Crimestoppers' 0800 555 111 number or through their secure online information giving form. Calls and online forms are not traced and no personal details of the caller are taken. This means people who pass on information will never have to give a statement or go to court.

Posters promoting the Send Money Safely campaign are being displayed in Newham, Hounslow and Derby businesses, libraries and faith organisations. The campaign is running until 14 September 2009.

-ENDS-

For more information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information' form on our website.
• Around 19 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every four days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 91,000 arrests and charges. Over £167 million worth of property has been recovered and over £160 million worth of drugs.
• In 2006, Crimestoppers launched the UK's Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 500 arrests to date from 2.5 thousand appeals posted.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action' is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.
• In September 2007, Crimestoppers launched a youth website ShadowCS.co.uk which allows young people to give information anonymously online.