Overview

This bill makes it a crime in England and Wales to supply specialist printing equipment knowing it will be used for criminal activity. Penalties include up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine for individuals, and fines for other entities.

Description

The bill creates a new offence: supplying specialist printing equipment knowing it will be used for criminal purposes. "Specialist printing equipment" is broadly defined and includes equipment used to create counterfeit documents such as identity documents, travel documents, entry documents, currency, and debit/credit cards. The bill clarifies the meaning of "criminal conduct," encompassing offences under both UK and foreign law, if the foreign offence would be a crime in England and Wales. A defence exists if the supplier can prove their actions were necessary for crime prevention or detection. The bill also addresses the liability of bodies corporate and partnerships, holding officers and partners accountable if an offence is committed with their consent, connivance, or through their neglect. The bill applies to the Crown and comes into force two months after its passing.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The impact on government spending is likely indirect and related to enforcement costs (investigations, prosecutions) and potential savings from reduced criminal activity.

Groups Affected

• Suppliers of printing equipment: They will face criminal liability if they knowingly supply equipment used for criminal purposes. This could include businesses and individuals.
• Law enforcement: They will have a new tool to prosecute those involved in the supply of equipment used for counterfeiting.
• Businesses and individuals involved in criminal activities such as counterfeiting: This bill aims to hinder their operations.
• Crown employees: The bill explicitly applies to Crown employees.

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