Serious Organised Crime Taskforce

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.

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

#SIMD https://t.co/1BW0WiaaCz via @EqualityPoverty

[IPCO @IPCOffice]

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

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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

[Food Standards Scotland @FSScot]

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: https://t.co/y7HLhcEPiw

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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.

[ScotGov Justice @ScotGovJustice]

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.

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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

[National Crime Agency (NCA) @NCA_UK]

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 ➡️ https://t.co/z2NRoScQhG

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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.

[Action for Children Scotland @Actn4ChildrScot]

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.

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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

[National Crime Agency (NCA) @NCA_UK]

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 ➡️ ⬇️https://t.co/gGePlREhE0

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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.

[TradingStandardsScot @TSScot]

Protect your home - #ShutOutScammers

✔️Close the door on uninvited callers
✔️Verify that the caller is genuine
✔️Research - get at least 3 quotes
✔️Take time to think
✔️Report suspicious behaviour to @PoliceScotland & scams to @advicedotscot

➡️https://t.co/feLlwvL578

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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

[Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) @ScottishEPA]

Between 50 to 60% of businesses advertising on social media could be breaking the law by operating without holding the required waste carrier licence – and people handing over their waste may be contributing to flytipping and other waste crime.

At SEPA we're focused on disrupting digital dumpers.
Check out more at https://t.co/OJWbro1Twp

Check your waste operator is registered at https://t.co/eZ5X5gfxEl

@SOCTaskforce @JUWC_WasteCrime @PoliceScotland @ZeroWasteScot @ScotGovNetZero

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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.

[Fearless Scotland @Fearless_Scot]

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 https://t.co/d5O1Qw6Nz0

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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.

[Cyber and Fraud Centre - Scotland @cyberfraudcen]

⚠️ 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 ➡️ https://t.co/RAWF79UKaL

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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.

[Cyber and Fraud Centre - Scotland @cyberfraudcen]

📣 Important #CyberSecurity sessions being held next Wednesday:

🔵 Ransomware Exercise in a Box for #PublicSector & #ThirdSector orgs 🔗 https://t.co/eBR8MgiAzV
⚫ Preparing for a Cyber Incident 🔗 https://t.co/fIiw8Vw6fY

Sign up to boost your #cyberresilience.

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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 @PoliceScotland]

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: https://t.co/PZmLPuob4Y

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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.

[Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) @ScottishEPA]

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 - https://t.co/ihdedguhCu

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

Find out about some of the work undertaken by partners on behalf of the #SOCTaskforce by reading the latest Progress Report.

[ScotGov Justice @ScotGovJustice]

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.

https://t.co/IdCMDrp9tl

[Cyber and Fraud Centre - Scotland @cyberfraudcen]

📣 Important #CyberSecurity sessions being held next Tuesday:

🔵 Ransomware Exercise in a Box for #PublicSector & #ThirdSector orgs🔗 https://t.co/bc2HDm795k
⚫ Preparing for a Cyber Incident 🔗 https://t.co/HltMxE8DZI

#CyberThreats are rising. Sign up to boost your resilience.

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

Good outcome for #SOCTaskforce partners @HMRCpressoffice. The smuggling of illicit goods is not a victimless crime and can help support other forms of organised crime. If you #SeeSomethingSaySomething.

[HMRC Press Office @HMRCpressoffice]

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.

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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: https://t.co/4QcZuMBaq5

[Police Scotland @PoliceScotland]

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: https://t.co/lT2eWnBla1

[Serious Organised Crime Taskforce @SOCTaskforce]

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

[ScotGov Justice @ScotGovJustice]

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 ➡️ https://t.co/nSNJUDCaDE

#AntiSlaveryDay