Crime and Corruption Commission chairman Alan MacSporran today told a parliamentary committee the involvement of professionals in criminal enterprise had become “so widespread” that law enforcement agencies needed to try a different approach.

“Organised criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, they have very sophisticated business models,” MacSporran said, adding that they operated where they could make money.

Lawyers and accountants have increasingly become caught up in the criminal underworld. While some did so innocently, or unknowingly, MacSporran said “far more concerning is the level of deliberate, knowingly, advising organised crime and corrupt activities”. That should bring their professional standing into question much earlier than currently occurs.

MacSporran said police and the CCC would continue to investigate organised crime but the nefarious nature of professional involvement in organised crime warranted earlier disciplinary or regulatory action. Only then, he suggested, could networks be disrupted and ultimately shut down.

By way of example, MacSporran suggested a barrister who had supported criminals might be given a show-cause notice why his or her right to practice should not be cancelled. Such considerations would be separate to any prosecution but help avoid a scenario whereby the barrister is able to represent other clients, even in jury trials, while under suspicion.

“That can’t be, in any shape or form, in the best interests of the client,” MacSporran said, adding that the need to maintain a positive, professional reputation would act as a deterrent.

MacSporran said such criminal behaviour was also bringing the professions into disrepute.