Government proposes doubling maximum sentence for organised crime

The Icelandic Ministry of Justice has proposed doubling the maximum sentence for participating in organised criminal activity, mbl.is reports. The proposal would increase the maximum penalty from four years to eight.

The bill, published on the government’s consultation portal, contains 12 amendments to criminal law, procedural rules and police legislation aimed at strengthening efforts against organised crime groups.

It also proposes tougher penalties when children or young people are exploited to commit serious offences. In complex and extensive criminal cases, the maximum period of pre-trial detention would be extended from 12 weeks to up to six months. Police would also be authorised to carry out certain investigative measures before obtaining a court order.

Under the proposal, assets could be confiscated without the person concerned having been convicted of a specific offence, if the assets are believed to be proceeds of criminal activity. The definition of organised criminal activity would also be clarified and broadened to reflect changing circumstances.

A report by the national police commissioner’s analysis department from November identified around 20 organised crime groups operating in the country. The groups vary in size and structure but share the goal of financial gain through criminal activity.

The ministry said the scale of the activity had grown in recent years and become more complex and serious. Conflicts between groups had increased, while offences involving violence and weapons had become more extensive.

Justice Minister Þorbjörg S. Gunnlaugsdóttir said organised crime was a threat to everyone’s security. She said the bill aimed partly to weaken the groups’ financial foundations and their ability to grow and establish themselves in the country.

The bill is among those scheduled to be submitted during the upcoming parliamentary session.