The Proceeds of Crime Act was established in 2003 to ensure that the neighbourhoods that have suffered a great deal of criminal activity end up being reimbursed, so to speak. There are laws that prevent anyone from profiting from illegal activity, and anything deemed as a product of illegal gains will be confiscated and redirected to the communities that need them. This includes those who deal drugs, commit fraud, and anyone suspected to be involved in illegal crimes for money.

Cash assets are frozen and confiscated while any property believed to be purchased or gained through illegal activity will also become the property of the UK. This can include houses, boats, jewelry, clothing, or any personal possession that was most likely ill gotten.

The Act itself allows for 17 million to be dispensed throughout the areas of high crime that are able to sustain programs to reduce crime. Any funds that surpass the allotment are then handed over to the Treasury of the UK.

At first this may seem like a great idea because it does force the criminals to reinvest into neighbourhoods that they have probably preyed upon during their criminal career. The biggest stumbling block of this act is that a trial does not have to be held nor does the person have to be found guilty. If a judge deems that a person has gotten any of their assets from illegal activity, they can have their accounts frozen and assets confiscated.

Waiting for a trial without the ability to financially sustain yourself or your family can be more than just devastating. There is no way to pay for court costs, representation, or even day to day living expenses on your own. The lack of guilt or innocence does not matter.

Most of the criminal cases that are handled in the UK do not go to court but are settled outside of a courtroom. While this is a faster means of executing the system, those who opt for this are almost guaranteed not to receive their funds. If you can prove your innocence then you must wait for a trial.

There have not been many innocent individuals whom have fallen victim to the Proceeds of Crime Act. Yet one has to consider that the handful who have been wrongly accused and wrongly stripped of their ability to support their family. The Act itself has a strong positive effect on the areas of higher crime. The proceeds have enabled many high crime areas to reduce their criminal activity and provide alternative programs.

Business valuations and forensic accounting and services related to commercial disputes are specialised services available at financial firms. If you need to know more about proceeds of crime why not visit the BTG Forensics website for details on how the cases are dealt and who might need it.

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