Part 5

Civil recovery of the proceeds etc. of unlawful conduct
Chapter 3

Recovery of cash in summary proceedings

Forfeiture without court order

Release of cash subject to forfeiture notice
297F
1
This section applies while any cash is detained under section 297C or 297D.
2
A magistrates' court may direct the release of the whole or any part of the cash if the following condition is met.
3
The condition is that the court is not satisfied, on an application by the person from whom the cash was seized, that the cash to be released—
a
is recoverable property, or
b
is intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.
4
An officer of Revenue and Customs,
immigration officer,
constable
, SFO officer
or accredited financial investigator may release the cash or any part of it if satisfied that the detention of the cash to be released is no longer justified.
Words in s. 297F(4) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 29 (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)
Ss. 297A-297G and cross-heading inserted (22.11.2014 for the insertion of s. 297A(3)-(5) for specified purposes, 1.6.2015 for specified purposes, 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 65(1), 116(1) (with s. 65(4)); S.I. 2014/3101, art. 3; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(e)
Pt. 5 Ch. 3 modified (E.W.) (1.4.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/196), arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. para. 3 (as amended (20.7.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) (Amendment) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/767), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(a))
Words in s. 297F(4) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 21; S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(aa); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 3(b)
Pt. 5 Ch. 3 applied (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by 2007 c. 30, s. 24(1) (as substituted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 21(3), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(f); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(i))
Pt. 5 Ch. 3 applied (1.4.2010) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 24(1), 59(2); S.I. 2010/606, art. 2