Crimelord Cabs Blitz

Jan 6 2008 By Mark Aitken Political Editor

Exclusive Crackdown On Money-Laundering Gangs

TAXI firms are being targeted in a crackdown on money-laundering.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill wants to make it easier for councils to limit the number of private hires on the road.

Dirty money worth millions is made and laundered by gangsters infiltrating cab firms.

Unlike black hacks, there is no limit on the number of private hire licences councils give out.

They can only turn down applicants with criminal records.

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan says private taxi firms have become an "open goal" for criminal gangs.

The West of Scotland MSP said: "Genuine taxi drivers are concerned that the regulations are too lenient and that criminal gangs are using the trade as a cover for illegal activities.

"It is not the fault of local authorities or the police who don't have the power to fight this.

"Giving councils the power to cap the number of licences makes it harder for those trying to exploit the industry and would be a first step in tackling problems faced by taxi companies."

Cab companies are ideal fronts because they can be presented as legitimate businesses.

Gangsters involved in the cab business included Tam "The Licensee" McGraw, who died last year with a £14million fortune.

Jamie "The Iceman" Stevenson laundered £1million of drugs money by setting up a firm in Glasgow with 10 Skodas licensed in his wife Caroline's name.

He was jailed in April last year for 12 years and nine months.

Caroline has fought to keep the firm, CS Cars, on the road, saying Stevenson was not involved in it.

MacAskill has already vowed to blitz crime gangs who use taxi firms and tanning salons.

He said they will be prime targets of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce.

The Scottish Government said: "Too many criminal gangs use seemingly legitimate businesses such as taxis as fronts for illegal activity.

"Kenny MacAskill is sending a message to those involved that this government is determined to put them out of business and off our streets.

"No longer will they be allowed to operate with impunity and no longer should they profit on the backs of decent hard-working Scots and their families."

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