BUSINESS leaders have been urged to speak up in an effort to defeat organised crime.
Justice minister David Ford highlighted the role the business community plays in highlighting illegal activity.
Mr Ford was speaking to members of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Ireland Business Leaders' Forum, which provides an opportunity for senior members to meet their peers and other business leaders to discuss topics of mutual interest.
Mr Ford said business leaders were perfectly placed to detect crime.
"Criminals need a level of contact with the business community to purchase certain supplies, such as blank DVDs or materials used in the laundering of fuel," he said. "Business leaders therefore, have a key role to play in helping to defeat organised crime gangs by reporting suspicious activity, particularly if they have concerns about money laundering or the use of forced labour."