Millions of pounds seized from criminals are now being utilized to enhance border security, according to recent data. Additionally, compensation awarded to crime victims has surged by 165% within a year following intensified efforts to combat illicit funds. Authorities confiscated £285 million from criminals, with £50 million disbursed to affected individuals. The Home Office emphasized that funds seized from wrongdoers are being reinvested in frontline policing and bolstering border defenses.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis highlighted the significance of the nearly £300 million recovered in criminal assets this year, along with a notable increase in restitution to victims. He emphasized the government’s resolute stance against crime, ensuring that illicit activities do not yield profits. Jarvis stated that each pound recovered is reinvested back into communities.
One initiative funded by these seized assets is the Multi Agency Cash Cell operating at the border, which aims to disrupt the influx of illicit funds into the country. Over the past year, the Cell seized £7 million in cash and an additional £4 million in assets, including high-value items like gold and luxury watches.
Recent statistics reveal that £174 million of criminal proceeds has been reinvested into frontline services, marking a 55% rise from the previous year. Notably, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) alone recovered £16 million and seized £12 million from criminals in the last year. Half of these funds were allocated to community projects focused on crime reduction, prevention, and enforcement across the region. In a recent development, £1.1 million was obtained from the sale of a property in the Lake District as part of an investigation involving the first application of an Unexplained Wealth Order.
The recovered funds will be redirected to the Treasury for reinvestment in public services. Nick Ephgrave QPM, director of the Serious Fraud Office, underscored the agency’s commitment to preventing individuals involved in serious fraud and corruption from benefiting from their unlawful actions. He emphasized the strategic use of tools like Unexplained Wealth Orders to target and recover criminal assets effectively.
The Government highlighted that drug traffickers and fraudsters are the primary targets for asset confiscation.
