Proceeds Of Crime Act (POCA)

Our seasoned team of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) Solicitors is dedicated to leveraging their expertise and experience to help you secure the best possible outcome for your situation.

Facing POCA proceedings can be daunting, but with expert legal advice and representation, you can navigate through it effectively. The Proceeds of Crime Act is a multifaceted piece of legislation with wide ranging implications, and having the right guidance is crucial.

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002), authorities wield extensive powers to confiscate assets derived from criminal activities. It falls upon the accused to demonstrate the legitimacy of their funds and assets.

At BKP, our specialists defend individuals across the spectrum of POCA offences, delivering tailored services to meet our clients' unique needs. With our extensive experience in business crime and fraud cases, we bring invaluable insight to each case, consistently achieving positive outcomes over many years.

Here's why you should choose BKP Solicitors:

• Expertise: We specialise in handling financial crime and POCA cases, understanding the intricate issues and procedural requirements involved.
• Reputation: With an outstanding reputation as criminal defense lawyers, we work regularly with enforcement agencies to ensure the best representation for our clients.
• Track Record: We've secured numerous favourable outcomes, including an acquittal in Liverpool’s longest running fraud trial. We challenge every assertion made by the prosecution to safeguard your interests both now and in the future.

Our dedicated legal team is available seven days a week to provide expert advice and representation at any stage of your investigation. Whether you need guidance on POCA legislation or representation during proceedings, we're here to help.

The Proceeds of Crime Act criminalises the use of assets derived from criminal conduct, aiming to dismantle money laundering activities and deprive criminals of their ill gotten gains. It grants enforcement agencies powers such as search, seizure, restraint, and freezing of assets, along with a legislative framework for asset recovery.

POCA encompasses various money laundering offenses, including:

• Concealing criminal property.
• Entering into arrangements to keep, use, or control criminal property.
• Possession of criminal property.

Moreover, POCA imposes obligations on businesses and individuals operating in regulated sectors to disclose suspicions of money laundering. Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to severe penalties.

If you or someone you know is facing charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act, our experienced POCA Solicitors are here to provide the guidance and representation you need.

For instance, property seized under POCA can include money, real estate, intellectual property, shares, or mortgages. Seizures may occur during stop and searches, at international borders, or at business premises suspected of being involved in criminal activity.

Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) have also been introduced to help authorities identify and seize property suspected to have been acquired through laundered criminal funds.

Restraint orders freeze assets during investigations, while confiscation orders require convicted defendants to pay determined amounts. Civil recovery allows for asset recovery without a criminal conviction, based on the balance of probability.

Understanding the intricacies of POCA and its implications is crucial for navigating through proceedings successfully. At BKP, we have the expertise to handle POCA and money laundering cases effectively, ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients.