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Police seize £3.3million under Proceeds of Crime Act

Hampshire Police say they have seized £3.3million in cash and assets during the past 12 months using the Proceeds of Crime Act.

It almost doubles the amount claimed back the previous year using powers that came into law in 2003.

They said significant confiscations have been made on the Isle of Wight, in Farnborough, Aldershot, Alton and Waterlooville. Funds forfeited are divided 50/50 between the Home Office and the police.

The biggest order was brought against the financier of a cannabis import ring.

He received a sentence of eight years in prison, and a confiscation of £2.3million in cash and assets including houses in Dubai and properties in the UK.

If he doesn’t pay back the money by time of his release in six months time, he will receive another eight years on top of his existing sentence.

Using our POCA powers effectively is a vital part of taking away the attraction of a criminal lifestyle, and an important part of the Government’s organised crime strategy. By tackling crime locally, we are stemming the opportunities for crime to take root in our communities.

We have had some very significant seizures across the county in the past 12 months. Our message to criminals is that it doesn’t stop at receiving a prison sentence – we will go after your money, your house, your car, your belongings, anything we can prove has been gained through the profits of a criminal lifestyle.

– Det Sgnt Lee Macarthur
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