Criminal law is essential in maintaining justice and public order in the UK. One of its key focuses is the proceeds of crime, which refers to any financial benefits gained through illegal means. UK authorities are committed to ensuring that individuals cannot retain profit from criminal activity, using strict legislation to recover such assets.
What Are the Proceeds of Crime?
Offences such as fraud, drug trafficking, and money laundering often generate illicit gains. To address this, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) empowers enforcement agencies to investigate and recover assets linked to crime. It includes several powerful tools:
Confiscation Orders: Courts require offenders to forfeit assets obtained through unlawful conduct.
Civil Recovery: Authorities may seize assets even without securing a criminal conviction.
Cash Seizures: Police can confiscate over £1,000 in cash if it’s suspected to be the result of criminal activity.
Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs): Courts can examine the source of high-value assets if no legal explanation is provided.
These mechanisms aim to disrupt criminal enterprises and restore fairness to the financial system.
Dealing with POCA investigations can be intimidating. However, our experienced legal team helps clients take control of their situation by:
Delivering strategic legal advice tailored to the circumstances.
Challenging the prosecution’s evidence and asset valuation.
Engaging in negotiations to reduce or eliminate financial penalties.
Representing clients confidently in court proceedings.
Providing guidance during appeals or judicial reviews, if needed.
With our support, you’re not alone in navigating complex financial crime laws.
If you’re being investigated or prosecuted under POCA, several options may be available:
Negotiated Agreements: We often work with prosecutors to reach settlements that minimise the impact.
Evidence-Based Defence: When the link between your assets and crime is weak or unfounded, we advocate for full dismissal.
Asset Recovery: In cases of wrongful seizure, we act quickly to restore your property.
Appeals & Reviews: If the court issues an unfair decision, we pursue appropriate legal channels for reversal.
Every case is different, so we assess all possibilities to develop the strongest strategy.
Understanding how POCA works in practice is crucial. These cases illustrate its application:
R v Waya (2012): The Supreme Court clarified that confiscation orders must be proportionate to the offence.
NCA v Mrs A (2018): A UWO case involving significant assets allegedly tied to corruption abroad.
R v Ahmad & Fields (2014): A large-scale fraud prosecution that led to one of the UK’s biggest confiscation orders.
Such examples show how critical effective legal representation is in defending your rights.
At Reuben Law, we bring over 20 years of experience in criminal litigation—especially in proceeds of crime cases. Clients trust us because we offer:
✅ In-depth knowledge of POCA legislation and case law
✅ Custom legal strategies built around your goals
✅ A strong track record of favourable outcomes
✅ Honest, consistent communication throughout the case