Millions of pounds worth of assets recovered under POCA

More than £5m worth of assets have been seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) since 2020.

In the last two years numerous high-value items have been seized or identified under confiscation orders granted by the courts.

Confiscation orders are granted by the courts following the conviction of individuals where there is evidence to support the defendant has gained financially from their crimes.

Members of the force’s economic crime unit are responsible for preparing the evidence to support the confiscation orders.  At times this can be a complex and challenging task with criminals attempting to hide their cash and assets amongst family members.

The orders can also include the sale of assets to recoup the value, such as cars, jewellery, designer clothing and on some occasions through the sale of the individual’s shares in property.

More than £5m worth of assets have been seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) since 2020.

 

Haroon Cassim was sentenced to more than six years in prison in 2020 after pleading guilty to five counts of fraud by abuse of position, two counts of converting criminal property and two counts of money laundering. 

Following his conviction, the force applied to the courts to confiscate cash or items.

Cassim was said to have benefited from his criminality by more than £1m – the orders allowed the force to recoup more than £418,000, so far just over £156,000 has been recovered.

If Cassim fails to identify further assets or pay the value of the order his sentence will be extended by a further four years and six months.

In 2019 Michael Graham was sentenced for his part in an organised crime group who supplied class A drugs across the country. 

Graham was issued with a confiscation order and officers seized two paintings by John Wilson and Ronnie Wood to the value of more than £1,700.  Rolex and Hublot watches to the value of £20,000 were also seized.

Paul Wenlock of the force’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU), said: “Our work doesn’t end at an individual’s conviction.  If there is evidence to suggest the defendant has gained financially from their criminality we can approach the courts for confiscation orders under the POCA.

“Between April 2020 to date, 188 confiscations were granted by the courts, which led to us seizing more than £5 million from criminals. 

“As well as confiscation orders the POCA legislation allows us to apply for forfeiture orders and restraint orders. 

“A restraint order granted under POCA means that we can secure an asset pending conviction and a confiscation hearing/order.

“Forfeiture orders are granted under civil legislation. If a criminal investigation fails to proceed or if there is no further action we can proceed with civil law to retain the cash.

“Since April 2020, 105 restraint orders to the value of £18m and 95 forfeiture orders have been granted to the value of £1.4m.

"These figures are a testament to the hard work of members of the ECU team, their tenacity and attention to detail has led to us obtaining the orders and confiscating cash and assets.

“We will continue to use this legislation and ensure those who choose to take the path of criminality should not be allowed to benefit from their crimes.”