ALABAMA
SECURITIES COMMISSION
770 WASHINGTON AVE, SUITE 570
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36130-4700
Telephone: (334) 242-2984 or 1-800-222-1253. Fax: (334)
242-0240
Email: asc@asc.state.al.us. Website:
www.asc.state.al.us
Announcing the Economic Crime Alliance of Alabama
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA (February 17, 2004) – Ten
Alabama State Agencies announce today the establishment and implementation of a
new alliance to fight the ongoing war against white collar crime throughout the
state of Alabama:
Members
of the Economic Crime Alliance of Alabama:
1.
Alabama Securities Commission
2. Alabama Department of Revenue - Investigations Division
3. Office of the Attorney General
4. Department of Examiners of Public Accounts
5. Office of Prosecution Services (District Attorneys)
6. Alabama Department of Public Safety - Alabama Bureau of Investigations
7. Alabama Insurance Department
8. Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center
9. Alabama Department of Industrial Relations
10. Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences
Mission Statement:
The mission of
the Economic Crime Alliance (ECAA) of Alabama is to provide a statewide support
system for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of financial,
economic and high technology crime, and to support and partner with other
appropriate entities in initiatives addressing the protection of public funds
and the financial resources of the citizens we represent.
ECAA is a
non-funded partnership of law enforcement agencies, audit agencies and state
regulatory bodies with investigative authority, and state and local prosecution
offices with jurisdiction within the State of Alabama.
The Alliance
will combine law enforcement agencies and prosecutors knowledge and resources
to better combat economic and high-tech crime and effectively prosecute
offenders.
Joseph P. Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities
Commission, said, “Although the Economic Crime Alliance of Alabama agencies
have historically cooperated to investigate, solve, and prosecute white collar
crime, the new alliance will greatly improve our abilities to transfer and
share information between agencies. One
area of importance will be the review of rules and regulations for the release
and transfer of sensitive information among members to ensure appropriate
handling and privacy--basically looking for ways to streamline the process and
cut the red tape.
- more -
Lewis A. Easterly, Secretary,
Alabama Department of Revenue issued this statement: “We are proud to have become a founding member of the alliance of
state agencies that combat financial crimes in Alabama. As a result of the special expertise
contributed by each agency, there is more efficiency with a greater benefit - a
bargain for the careful and conservative use of the people’s money.”
Charles E. Crumbley, Director of Investigations
(Revenue Department) said, “The effect of our joint investigations with our
allies in the Economic Crimes Alliance of Alabama is two-fold: (1) Deterrence of tax cheating and the
expanded recovery of badly needed state, city, and county tax revenue; and (2)
The Alliance will contribute to leveling the playing field for a competitive
business environment in Alabama by attacking the fraud and corruption that
sometimes preys on good businesses.”
Ronald L. Jones, Chief Examiner, Department of
Examiners of Public Accounts, said, “White collar and economic crimes cost the
citizens of Alabama millions of dollars each year. By combining resources and sharing information among the agencies
responsible for the detection, prevention, and prosecution of these types of
offenses, we can maximize and save precious State resources allocated to this
effort. The ultimate goal of the
Alliance is to give Alabama citizens the most for their tax dollars.”
Walter A. Bell, Commissioner, Alabama Department of
Insurance, said, “Economic crimes cost Alabama families and Alabama businesses
their hard-earned dollars. There is no
doubt in my mind that by working together we can help stop these crimes. From my perspective, this alliance, if armed
with an insurance fraud law, could go a long way in stopping insurance fraud in
this state. I think this is a positive
first step.”
Randy Hillman, Executive Director, Alabama District
Attorney’s Association, said, “The District Attorneys commit their support to
the Economic Crime Alliance of Alabama to assist in combating white collar
crime in the State of Alabama.”
Russell Yawn, Chief Investigator, Alabama District
Attorney’s Association, said, The District Attorneys support the mission of the
ECAA and will work hard to ensure success of this group.”
Major Ken Hallford, Chief of Alabama Bureau of
Investigations, said, “The Economic Crime Alliance of Alabama is a good example
of how various agencies are working together to protect tax payers.”
The Economic Crime Alliance of Alabama
member first met in June 2003 to begin the process of formation. Presently the Alliance is meeting as
necessary, at least once per month, to discuss and review matters and look at
methods to foster more efficient cooperation and exchange of information.
For questions or information about
the Alliance contact Daniel G. Lord, Education and Public Affairs Manager.
ALABAMA
SECURITIES COMMISSION
770 WASHINGTON AVE, SUITE 570,
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36130-4700
Telephone: (334) 242-2984 or
1-800-222-1253. Fax: (334) 242-0240
Email: asc@asc.state.al.us. Website:
www.asc.state.al.us
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