This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Proceeds of Crime Act
08/05/2006
The Proceeds of Crime Act has meant that almost £10 million has been taken back from criminals since it was introduced in 2003.
Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC said:
"When the Proceeds of Crime Act was introduced I said that we would use the full powers available to us to prove that crime does not pay. These latest figures show that we continue to deliver on that promise.
"Working closely with the police and other partner agencies our Civil Recovery and Financial Crime units are targeting the profits of criminal activity at all levels in our communities. By taking this money away from criminals we are disrupting their ability to invest in future criminal activity. At the same time we are showing people in our communities that while a life of crime may have short term attractions it will no longer be an easy way to make cash."
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2003 brought with it increased powers to tackle criminals where it hurts - in their pockets.
It is not just cash and bank accounts which can be targeted under the legislation, criminals can also be forced to surrender expensive property and investments.
Since 2003 a total of £9.9m has been recovered from criminals, including more than £4.8m in the past year alone.
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. It includes profits from the sale of two Glasgow properties.
The Financial Crime Unit raised restraint proceedings in 175 cases in the year to March 31. While these cases are still going through the courts, the total value of assets restrained in these cases is estimated at more than £16 million. As well as cash this includes expensive Rolex 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.