Explanatory Notes

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

2002 CHAPTER 29

24 July 2002

Commentary on Sections

Part 5: Civil Recovery of the Proceeds etc. of Unlawful Conduct

Chapter 2: Civil recovery in the High Court or Court of Session.Proceedings for recovery orders
Interim administration orders (Scotland)
Section 261: Restrictions on dealing etc. with property

340.Subsection (1) provides that the interim administration order must prevent any dealing with the property to which it applies, subject to any exclusions which may be made under the rest of the section. This is to prevent the property being dissipated, pending a resolution of the civil recovery case. 'Dealing' is explained in section 316(1) as including disposing of the property, taking possession of it or removing it from the United Kingdom. A person who disobeys these provisions will be in contempt of court.

341.Subsection (2) states that exclusions may be made either when the order is made or by variation. Subsection (3) states that an exclusion may in particular provide for property to be used for meeting any person’s reasonable living expenses or to carry on a trade, business, profession or occupation. Living expenses would be likely to include the living expenses of dependants. But the court’s discretion to release this property is limited by subsections (4) and (6); the legal expenses of a person involved in proceedings may be met through the legal aid scheme, so there will be no need for them to draw from the property subject to the order.