Organised and International Crime Bill

LEGISLATION to ensure the Isle of Man complies with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (“the Palermo Convention”) was introduced into the House of Keys this week.

Home Affairs Department Member Bill Malarkey MHK brought the Organised and International Crime Bill 2010 to the House of Keys for its first reading on Tuesday (March 9, 2010).

He explained:

‘The Department wishes to enact this legislation in order to ensure the Island presents no place to hide for those engaged in international and organised crime, particularly in respect of people smuggling and trafficking in persons.

‘It is in the national interests of the Island to ensure that our legislation is not only sufficient to enable us to sign up to international treaties but also to enable us to meet the standards of bodies such as the IMF (International Monetary Fund). This legislation will go some way towards both.’

The Palermo Convention is the main international instrument to counter organised crime. Although Manx law largely complies with the provisions of the Palermo Convention and its protocols some potential gaps have been identified and it is intended that they will be addressed by this Bill. Whilst some of the provisions in the Bill bear certain similarities with existing provisions in Manx law it is considered there needs to be specific provision to satisfy the terms of the Convention. The maximum sentences in respect of offences contained within the Bill are significant and greater than those which may be found in similar Manx law or generally.

The Bill should allow the ratification of the Palermo Convention to be extended to cover the Isle of Man.