The SOC Taskforce chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans has a broad membership committed to reducing the harm caused by SOC in Scotland.
It was a productive introductory meeting and provided an opportunity to discuss respective roles and establish a foundation for a strengthened relationship with @scotgov. [2/2]
#IPCO#Oversight
Organised criminals have no qualms about selling counterfeit vodka, all designed to increase their wealth regardless of potential consequences to individuals. It is not worth the risk. If it's too good a deal contact the authorities. #SeeSomethingSaySomething
We are issuing a public health warning after lab results from counterfeit vodka seized earlier this month confirmed the presence of the chemical isopropyl, which can be harmful if consumed. Visit our website for further information at: bit.ly/478Qh1B
ALT News banner stating a public health warning from Food Standards Scotland about counterfeit alcohol containing harmful isopropyl. Includes graphic of bottles and warning symbol.
Thanks to all contributors at the conference on criminal exploitation. A very positive day building on the guidance published by the #SOCTaskforce in 2023. Collectively we must work better to protect our children and vulnerable adults from being criminally exploited.
Justice Secretary @AConstance23 spoke at a conference on criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults.
Ms Constance, chair of @SOCTaskforce, said partners in government, policing, social work and education will continue to work together to tackle the issue.
ALT Angela Constance Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs with the quote: "By working together we can divert children and vulnerable adults from being criminally exploited, providing support into more positive destinations and thus improving the quality of life for individuals and creating safer communities.
Significant disruption to the OCG with the seizure of £40 million of cocaine. Congratulations to all involved in helping reduce the harm threat to our communities. #SeeSomethingSaySomething
Four men have been arrested by National Crime Agency officers investigating the attempted importation of cocaine with a potential street value of around £40 million.
Full story ➡️ nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/n…
Congratulations to #SOCTaskforce partners, @Actn4ChildrScot, on the publication of the evaluation report into its SOC Early Intervention Service. This valuable service works with vulnerable young people to prevent them from being criminally exploited.
Thanks @AConstance23, @PoliceScotland, @Edinburgh_CC, and @CASCADEresearch who joined us in Edinburgh.
Today we marked four years of our serious organised crime early intervention service partnership supported by @TNLComFundScot to protect C&YP from criminal exploitation.
The #SOCTaskforce welcomes the conviction of a high-ranking member of an OCG who sought to bring untold misery to the streets of Scotland. A great example of partnership working and perseverance delivering great results. #NoHidingPlace#SeeSomethingSaySomething
A high-ranking member of an organised crime group (OCG) that trafficked heroin and cocaine has been convicted following his extradition by the NCA.
FULL STORY ➡️ ⬇️nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/n…
The #SOCTaskforce supports the annual scam campaign from partners @TSScot. Lots of good advice available to protect you from falling foul to callous scammers. Sign up to their #ScamShare bulletin and if you #SeeSomethingSaySomething.
Welcome this pilot from @ScottishEPA on efforts to disrupt the illegal dumping of waste. Make sure you know your responsibilities and don’t be taken in by social media adverts. If you #SeeSomethingSaySomething
ALT A person holding a phone in their hand with Social media advert. Text overlay highlights SEPA's new pilot into identifying illegal waste carrier online.
We welcome the launch of @Fearless_Scot Drug Awareness Campaign. Young people are too often seen as a disposable resource by criminals who will exploit them for their own gain. This campaign plays an important role in giving young people a safe space in which to raise concerns.
Delighted to launch our NEW drugs campaign at @CCHSEdinburgh with Minister for Drugs & Alcohol @ChristinaSNP
The campaign is built around a video podcast with Peer Mentors from VOW Project @AidnAbet_Scot & the Positive Outcomes Project
Watch & learn more bit.ly/fearless-drugs
ALT Minister for Drugs & Alcohol Christina McKelvie stands beside two pupils from Craigroyston Community High School. Pupils hold signs that read 'it's not grassing - it's life saving' and 'Fearless.org, part of crimestoppers'
Timely advice below from @cyberfraudcen for those who are contacted by HMRC about self-assessment returns, tax rebates, updating your personal details. Be extra vigilant and ensure you are not caught out by scammers. #StopTheScammers.
⚠️ Beware of #scams as January 31st tax deadline nears! Watch for phishing attempts, threatening calls, and fake rebates. Never disclose personal info unless you initiate contact with @HMRCgovuk directly. Report scams immediately.
Read more ➡️ tinyurl.com/4xs52dt4
If your organisation is in the Public or Third Sector and you haven't attended this exercise, take advantage and hear about how to build your resilience to cyber threats.
#CyberSecurity.
Significant seizures by #SOCTaskforce partners @PoliceScotland ensuring that criminals have a reduced ability to inflict harm on our communities. A good start to the new year but our efforts to disrupt OCGs continue. If you #SeeSomethingSaySomething.
Police Scotland has seized cannabis plants worth a combined total of over £8.5 million since the start of 2024, sending a clear message to criminals that drugs have no place in any of our communities.
Read more: ow.ly/mWY950QtXb2
A successful outcome for #SOCTaskforce partners @ScottishEPA using its powers to ensure that crime does not pay. The waste sector is not a soft touch for this type of criminal activity and offenders should realise this.
SEPA are reminding those operating within the waste sector of the implications of breaching waste management licence conditions after the conclusion of a criminal case at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday (10th January 2024).
You can read more about this case here - beta.sepa.scot/news/2024/ayr…
The Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, chaired by Justice Secretary @AConstance23, has been targeting criminals involved in:
⏺️bank fraud
⏺️illegal drug supply
⏺️environmental waste crime
SOCT members include @scotgov, police, prosecutors and @COSLA.
ow.ly/PfeA50QcToR
ALT Justice Secretary Angela Constance with the comment: "Tackling and disrupting serious organised crime and diverting people away from being drawn into criminal groups is a priority for the Scottish Government and the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce."
A smuggler caught with 45k cigarettes at Glasgow Airport claimed they were a wedding gift.
Oluwafemi Aina, 48, has been convicted of evading £16k in tax.
Thanks to our @SOCTaskforce partners for help in securing this conviction.
A new initiative led by @PoliceScotland and supported by the #SOCTaskforce will see officers engage with businesses to help combat crime, share prevention advice and create safer environments. Further info at: scotland.police.uk/what-s-ha…
Our officers targeted County Lines drug dealers to help protect vulnerable people during a pro-active week of action with @PoliceChiefs and @SOCTaskforce.
They also seized illegal drugs and offensive weapons including a firearm.
More: ow.ly/VxXT50PYUwH
ALT graphic with blue background and darker blue box with the words news update
Partners on the #SOCTaskforce are fully committed to disrupting the disgusting crime of trafficking of human beings. While partners will use every means at their disposal to hold to account those responsible, it is important that appropriate support is provided to those exploited
Even in modern-day Scotland, people are being bought, sold and used as a commodity by criminals.
Throughout 2022-2025, @scotgov is providing over £9m funding to six organisations that support victims of human trafficking.
More ➡️ bit.ly/HumanTraffickingScotl…#AntiSlaveryDay
ALT "Trafficking human beings is an appalling abuse of human rights and we are committed to improving support for all those who are exploited in this terrible way." Black text over a white box, behind the box is an image of Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown looking into the camera. She is standing in front of a blue background.