Overview

This bill creates a new criminal offence in England and Wales for supplying specialist printing equipment knowing it will be used for criminal activity. The aim is to combat the production of fraudulent documents.

Description

The bill defines "specialist printing equipment" as any equipment designed or adapted for making documents such as identity cards, passports, travel documents, currency, or credit cards. Supplying this equipment while knowing its intended criminal use becomes a punishable offense.

Penalties

Individuals face up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine, or both. Other entities (companies, partnerships) face fines. A defence exists if the supply was necessary for crime prevention or detection.

Corporate Responsibility

Corporations and partnerships are liable if a person with responsibility for the supply knows of the intended criminal use. Officers or partners may also face charges if they consented, connived, or were negligent.

Scope

The bill applies to England and Wales, with potential extension to the Isle of Man. It only applies to supplies made after its enactment date.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated in the text and would likely be minimal, primarily relating to enforcement costs (courts, police investigations).

Groups Affected

• Suppliers of printing equipment: They face potential criminal liability if they knowingly supply equipment for criminal purposes.
• Individuals involved in criminal activity: The bill aims to make it more difficult for them to obtain the equipment needed to produce fraudulent documents.
• Law enforcement agencies: They will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting offences under this new law.
• Businesses: Businesses that supply printing equipment will need to implement due diligence procedures to avoid criminal liability.

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