Are Shop Owners Facing Violence from Paramilitaries Demanding Protection Money?

Business owners in Northern Ireland are grappling with a pervasive culture of fear, feeling compelled to pay protection money to paramilitary groups. This troubling practice, which persists more than 25 years after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, has been described by local officials as a "stranglehold on the community" that places immense pressure on individuals and businesses alike.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In recent reports, business owners across Northern Ireland have provided anonymous testimonies detailing their experiences with extortion from paramilitary organisations. Many have described the intimidation they face, with threats of violence looming if they refuse to pay these illegal fees. Despite reassurances from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) that such intimidation will not be tolerated, the fear of reprisals remains a significant barrier to reporting these crimes.

Key takeaways

Business owners report ongoing extortion by paramilitary groups, creating a climate of fear.
Many believe that reporting to the police is futile, fearing they will face violent consequences.
The Justice Minister has called for an end to these coercive practices and has proposed new legislation targeting organised crime.

Timeline: how we got here

The issue of paramilitary extortion has persisted throughout the years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998. Key events include:

1998: The Good Friday Agreement is signed, aiming to establish peace in Northern Ireland.
2024: The public awareness campaign "Ending the Harm" is launched, focusing on the impact of paramilitary activity.
Ongoing: Reports of business owners being threatened for protection payments continue to emerge.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent testimonies from business owners have shed light on the extent of intimidation they face from paramilitary groups, highlighting that even new businesses are targeted for protection money shortly after opening. This has prompted renewed calls from officials for action against these practices.

What was already established

The existence of paramilitary groups and their involvement in extortion has been a long-standing issue in Northern Ireland, with many reporting that the threat of violence is used to enforce compliance. The culture of fear has been consistently acknowledged by local leaders, but concrete actions to eradicate the problem have been slow to materialise.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The extortion tactics employed by paramilitaries can have a ripple effect on local economies. Consumers may face higher prices as businesses, forced to pay protection money, pass on costs to customers. This cycle can deter investment and reduce the quality of services offered to the public.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses operating under the threat of violence may struggle to maintain staff, affecting overall job security in the region. The construction industry, in particular, has been highlighted as a target for extortion, which can slow down projects and impact the local economy.

Policy and regulation

The Northern Ireland Assembly is currently reviewing a justice bill aimed at creating new offences related to organised crime. This legislation, if passed, could provide law enforcement with greater tools to combat extortion and racketeering.

Numbers that matter

25+: Years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed, yet extortion continues.
1 in 3: Business owners in some areas reporting direct intimidation from paramilitary groups.
100s: Number of businesses affected by extortion in Northern Ireland's retail and construction sectors.

Definitions and jargon buster

Paramilitary: Armed groups that operate outside the law, often associated with historical conflicts in Northern Ireland.
Extortion: The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
Good Friday Agreement: A major political development in Northern Ireland aimed at ending violence and establishing a framework for government.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, businesses should consider documenting any incidents of intimidation and gathering evidence to present to authorities. Engaging with community leaders may also provide support and encourage a collective response against extortion.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the justice bill progresses through the Northern Ireland Assembly, business owners should remain informed about their rights and potential protections offered under new legislation. Community outreach programmes may also assist in raising awareness about the issue.

Signals to watch

Updates on the justice bill and its implementation timeline.
Public campaigns aimed at educating the community about the dangers of paramilitary extortion.
Increased reports of successful prosecutions against those involved in organised crime.

Practical guidance

Do

Document any incidents of intimidation or extortion.
Join local business associations that advocate for community safety and economic development.
Consider speaking to community leaders about collective action against extortion.

Don’t

Do not ignore threats or intimidation; report them to authorities when possible.
Do not engage with extortionists; avoid giving them any leverage.
Don’t isolate yourself; seek support from fellow business owners.

Checklist

Have you documented any threats or extortion attempts?
Are you aware of local resources and support networks?
Have you informed your staff about how to handle intimidation?
Do you know your rights under the upcoming justice legislation?
Are you participating in community discussions about security and safety?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

It is essential to acknowledge that while the PSNI has stated they are committed to fighting extortion, many business owners remain sceptical about police effectiveness. The fear of reprisal has been a significant barrier, leading to underreporting of these crimes. The situation is fluid, and as new legislation unfolds, its impact remains to be seen. Ongoing community support and engagement will be crucial in addressing these issues and ensuring safety for business owners.

Bottom line

The ongoing issue of paramilitary extortion in Northern Ireland presents significant challenges for local businesses and communities. While new legislation may offer some hope for addressing these crimes, the culture of fear remains a primary obstacle. It is vital for business owners to come together, document incidents, and seek support from community leaders to combat this pervasive threat.

FAQs

What is paramilitary extortion?

Paramilitary extortion involves armed groups demanding payments from businesses in exchange for "protection" against violence or property damage.

How can businesses protect themselves from extortion?

Businesses should document threats, seek support from community leaders, and report incidents to law enforcement whenever possible.

What is the role of the PSNI in tackling this issue?

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) aims to address extortion through enforcement and by encouraging victims to report crimes, although many remain fearful of doing so.