(1)This section applies to property seized by a person authorised by OFCOM—
(a)in pursuance of a warrant under section 97; or
(b)in the exercise of the power conferred by section 99(3).
(2)The property may be detained—
(a)until the end of the period of six months beginning with the date of seizure; or
(b)if proceedings for an offence to which section 99 applies involving that property or proceedings under Schedule 6 for condemnation of that property as forfeited are instituted within that period, until the conclusion of those proceedings.
(3)Subsections (4) to (6) apply in the case of property so detained which, after the end of the period authorised by subsection (2)—
(a)remains in the possession of OFCOM; and
(b)has not been ordered to be forfeited under Schedule 5 or condemned as forfeited under Schedule 6.
(4)OFCOM must take reasonable steps to deliver the property to the person who appears to them to be its owner.
[F1(5)OFCOM may dispose of the property in such manner as they think fit if it remains in their possession after the end of the six months immediately following—
(a)the end of the period of detention authorised by subsection (2)(a), or
(b)if subsection (2)(b) applies, the end of the day on which the proceedings referred to in that provision were concluded.]
(6)The delivery of the property in accordance with subsection (4) to the person who appears to OFCOM to be its owner does not affect the right of any other person to take legal proceedings for the recovery of the property—
(a)against the person to whom the property is so delivered; or
(b)against any person subsequently in possession of the property.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 101(5) substituted (27.6.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 12(1), 118(2) (with s. 12(2))