Act means crime doesn't pay, says Lord Advocate

More than £6 million in proceeds confiscated in last year

News, 6 June 2007

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More than £6 million has been confiscated from criminals in the past year, thanks to the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The Lord Advocate, Elish Angiolini, said today that the Act continues to target the profits of criminal activities at all levels, from street dealers and cash couriers to those committing complex frauds.

Since 2003, £15.5m has been secured from criminals, including more than £6.1m in the past year alone.

The National Casework Division, based at the Crown Office, deals with the confiscation of the proceeds of crime following conviction. It has secured £4.4m from convicted drug dealers, money launderers and fraudsters during the past financial year.

In the same period, the courts ordered the recovery of £1.7m following proceedings by the Civil Recovery Unit. Over £1m of this was in cash recoveries. The money recovered is invested in community projects.

The Lord Advocate said: "Crime is a business for some people and no business can operate without resources and a steady cash flow. The Proceeds of Crime Act is allowing us to tackle those who try to profit from illegal activity."

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