Former MP Margaret Hodge has been appointed to combat corruption and illicit finance in the UK and beyond, with a focus on organized crime.
London: So, guess what? Former MP Margaret Hodge just got a big new gig as the UK’s anti-corruption champion. She’s set to tackle all that “dirty money” floating around, both in Britain and abroad.
David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, made the announcement during a visit to the National Crime Agency. Hodge isn’t new to this; she’s been a fierce advocate against corruption and shady finances for years.
She used to chair the Public Accounts Committee and has been involved in various anti-corruption efforts. The Foreign Office even pointed out how she’s highlighted the issues of dirty money in the UK.
Hodge’s career has been quite the ride, from leading Islington Council in the ’90s to becoming an MP in 1983. Now, she’s ready to roll up her sleeves and work with Parliament and the private sector to fight corruption and organized crime.
Lammy emphasized that corruption is a real threat, enabling all sorts of criminal activities. He’s serious about making the UK a tough place for corrupt individuals and their ill-gotten gains.
To back this up, the government is throwing in an extra £36 million over five years for the National Crime Agency’s international anti-corruption efforts. They’ve already frozen over £441 million in assets linked to international corruption since 2020.
Hodge expressed her excitement about the role, saying it’s time to stop delaying and start taking action against corruption and illicit finance. She’s ready to make a difference.
Additionally, the Foreign Office announced new sanctions aimed at disrupting the illicit gold trade, targeting individuals involved in smuggling and money laundering.
One of the key figures is Kamlesh Pattni, a notorious gold smuggler linked to past corruption scandals. It looks like Hodge has her work cut out for her!