Criminals losing ill-gotten gains ...Almost £10 million in cash and assets has been seized from criminals since 2003 under the Proceeds of Crime Act. In the last year, there was nearly £5m seized, including £222,221.50 in the Central Police area. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, cash and bank accounts can be targeted and criminals can be forced to surrender property, cars, luxury items and investments. “These laws are hitting the criminals in our communities where it hurts them most,” said Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie. “Criminals should not be allowed to line their pockets through their crimes. The seizures are a stark warning to anyone involved in criminal activity showing them that whatever the short term attractions, they face losing everything they have as well as the prospects of serving a long jail sentence.” “Remember - anyone who knows anything about criminal activity can report it to the local police or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” The Financial Crime Unit, which deals with the confiscation of the proceeds of crime following conviction, recouped £3.4m from 92 confiscation orders against convicted drug dealers, money launderers and fraudsters during the past financial year. In the same period the courts ordered the recovery of £1.4m following proceedings by the Civil Recovery Unit. This is money which the courts have concluded was the result of a variety of types of criminal activity. The Financial Crime Unit raised restraint proceedings in 175 cases in the year to March 31. Many of these cases are still going through the courts, with the total value of assets restrained estimated at more than £16 million. As well as cash this includes items such as watches, quad bikes and a half-share in a fishing vessel. Money recovered under the Act, up to a maximum of £17 million a year, is invested by Scottish Ministers in community projects aimed at alleviating the effects of crime. If more than £17 million is recovered in any financial year the balance is sent to the UK Treasury. |
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