Landlords could face jail if they let to criminals

In a crackdown on organised crime it will be announced in the Queen's Speech that landlords who knowingly lease premises to criminal gangs will face up to five years' imprisonment under new laws.The owners of residential properties could be prosecuted for "participation in an organised crime group" if they fail to report suspicions that premises are being used for crime. The offence will also apply to commercial landlords and others who provide services such as transport or parcel delivery.However, the new measures will be primarily aimed at corrupt lawyers and other professionals who "turn a blind eye" when working for organised crime gangs. Karen Bradley, the organised crime minister, said: "This new offence sends out a clear message to those individuals – if you are helping to oil the wheels of organised crime, you will be prosecuted and face being jailed."