Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22)

PART 1 U.K. Proceeds of crime

CHAPTER 5 U.K. Miscellaneous

Seized money: England and Wales and Northern Ireland E+W+N.I.

26 Seized money: England and Wales E+W

(1) Section 67 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (seized money) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (2), for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute—

“(a) has been seized under a relevant seizure power by a constable or another person lawfully exercising the power, and

(b) is being detained in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution or with an investigation of a kind mentioned in section 341.”

(3) After subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) But this section applies to money only so far as the money is free property.”

(4) Omit subsection (3).

(5) In subsection (5), for “bank or building society” substitute “ appropriate person ”.

(6) In subsection (5A), at the beginning insert “ Where this section applies to money which is held in an account maintained with a bank or building society, ”.

(7) In subsection (7A), after “applies” insert “ by virtue of subsection (1) ”.

(8) For subsection (8) substitute—

“(8) In this section—

• “appropriate person” means—

  (a)

  in a case where the money is held in an account maintained with a bank or building society, the bank or building society;

  (b)

  in any other case, the person on whose authority the money is detained;

• “bank” means an authorised deposit-taker, other than a building society, that has its head office or a branch in the United Kingdom;

• “building society” has the same meaning as in the Building Societies Act 1986;

• “relevant seizure power” means a power to seize money conferred by or by virtue of—

  (a)

  a warrant granted under any enactment or rule of law, or

  (b)

  any enactment, or rule of law, under which the authority of a warrant is not required.”

(9) After subsection (8) insert—

“(9) In the definition of “bank” in subsection (8), “authorised deposit-taker” means—

(a) a person who has permission under Part 4A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to accept deposits;

(b) a person who—

(i) is specified, or is within a class of persons specified, by an order under section 38 of that Act (exemption orders), and

(ii) accepts deposits;

(c) an EEA firm of the kind mentioned in paragraph 5(b) of Schedule 3 to that Act that has permission under paragraph 15 of that Schedule (as a result of qualifying for authorisation under paragraph 12(1) of that Schedule) to accept deposits.

(10) A reference in subsection (9) to a person or firm with permission to accept deposits does not include a person or firm with permission to do so only for the purposes of, or in the course of, an activity other than accepting deposits.”

Commencement Information

I1 S. 26 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I2 S. 26 in force at 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(k)

27 Seized money: Northern Ireland N.I.

(1) Section 215 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (seized money) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (2), for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute—

“(a) has been seized under a relevant seizure power by a constable or another person lawfully exercising the power, and

(b) is being detained in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution or with an investigation of a kind mentioned in section 341.”

(3) After subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) But this section applies to money only so far as the money is free property.”

(4) Omit subsection (3).

(5) In subsection (5) (as it has effect before and after its amendment by section 36 of the Serious Crime Act 2015), for “bank or building society” substitute “ appropriate person ”.

(6) In subsection (5A), at the beginning insert “ Where this section applies to money which is held in an account maintained with a bank or building society, ”.

(7) In subsection (7A), after “applies” insert “ by virtue of subsection (1) ”.

(8) For subsection (8) substitute—

“(8) In this section—

• “appropriate chief clerk” has the same meaning as in section 202(7);

• “appropriate person” means—

  (a)

  in a case where the money is held in an account maintained with a bank or building society, the bank or building society;

  (b)

  in any other case, the person on whose authority the money is detained;

• “bank” means an authorised deposit-taker, other than a building society, that has its head office or a branch in the United Kingdom;

• “building society” has the same meaning as in the Building Societies Act 1986;

• “relevant seizure power” means a power to seize money conferred by or by virtue of—

  (a)

  a warrant granted under any enactment or rule of law, or

  (b)

  any enactment, or rule of law, under which the authority of a warrant is not required.”

(9) After subsection (8) insert—

“(9) In the definition of “bank” in subsection (8), “authorised deposit-taker” means—

(a) a person who has permission under Part 4A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to accept deposits;

(b) a person who—

(i) is specified, or is within a class of persons specified, by an order under section 38 of that Act (exemption orders), and

(ii) accepts deposits;

F1 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) A reference in subsection (9) to a person F2 ... with permission to accept deposits does not include a person F2 ... with permission to do so only for the purposes of, or in the course of, an activity other than accepting deposits.”

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 27 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 109(4)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F2 Words in s. 27 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 109(4)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 27 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I4 S. 27 in force at 28.6.2021 in so far as not already in force by S.R. 2021/167, reg. 2(a)

Miscellaneous provisions relating to Scotland U.K.

28 Seized money S

After section 131 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 insert—

“Seized money S

131ZA Seized money

(1) This section applies to money which—

(a) is held by a person, and

(b) is held in an account maintained by the person with a bank or building society.

(2) This section also applies to money which is held by a person and which—

(a) has been seized under a relevant seizure power by a constable or another person lawfully exercising the power, and

(b) is being detained in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution or with an investigation of a kind mentioned in section 341.

(3) But this section applies to money only so far as the money is free property.

(4) Subsection (5) applies if—

(a) a confiscation order is made against a person holding money to which this section applies, and

(b) an administrator has not been appointed under section 128 in relation to the money.

(5) The relevant court may order the appropriate person to pay, within such period as the court may specify, the money or a portion of it specified by the court to the appropriate clerk of court on account of the amount payable under the confiscation order.

(6) An order under subsection (5) may be made—

(a) on the application of the prosecutor, or

(b) by the relevant court of its own accord.

(7) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend this section so that it applies by virtue of subsection (1) not only to money held in an account maintained with a bank or building society but also to—

(a) money held in an account maintained with a financial institution of a specified kind, or

(b) money that is represented by, or may be obtained from, a financial instrument or product of a specified kind.

(8) Regulations under subsection (7) may amend this section so that it makes provision about realising an instrument or product within subsection (7)(b) or otherwise obtaining money from it.

(9) In this section—

• “appropriate clerk of court”, in relation to a confiscation order, means the sheriff clerk of the sheriff court responsible for enforcing the confiscation order under section 211 of the Procedure Act as applied by section 118(1);

• “appropriate person” means—

  (a)

  in a case where the money is held in an account maintained with a bank or building society, the bank or building society;

  (b)

  in any other case, the person on whose authority the money is detained;

• “bank” means an authorised deposit-taker, other than a building society, that has its head office or a branch in the United Kingdom;

• “building society” has the same meaning as in the Building Societies Act 1986;

• “relevant court”, in relation to a confiscation order, means—

  (a)

  the court which makes the confiscation order, or

  (b)

  the sheriff court responsible for enforcing the confiscation order under section 211 of the Procedure Act as applied by section 118(1);

• “relevant seizure power” means a power to seize money conferred by or by virtue of—

  (a)

  a warrant granted under any enactment or rule of law, or

  (b)

  any enactment, or rule of law, under which the authority of a warrant is not required.

(10) In the definition of “bank” in subsection (9), “authorised deposit-taker” means—

(a) a person who has permission under Part 4A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to accept deposits;

(b) a person who—

(i) is specified, or is within a class of persons specified, by an order under section 38 of that Act (exemption orders), and

(ii) accepts deposits;

(c) an EEA firm of the kind mentioned in paragraph 5(b) of Schedule 3 to that Act that has permission under paragraph 15 of that Schedule (as a result of qualifying for authorisation under paragraph 12(1) of that Schedule) to accept deposits.

(11) A reference in subsection (10) to a person or firm with permission to accept deposits does not include a person or firm with permission to do so only for the purposes of, or in the course of, an activity other than accepting deposits.”

Commencement Information

I5 S. 28 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I6 S. 28 in force at 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2017/456, reg. 2(a)

29 Recovery orders relating to heritable property U.K.

(1) The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is amended as follows.

(2) After section 245 insert—

“245ZA Notice to local authority: Scotland

(1) This section applies if, in proceedings under this Chapter for a recovery order, the enforcement authority applies under section 266(8ZA) for decree of removing and warrant for ejection in relation to heritable property which consists of or includes a dwellinghouse.

(2) The enforcement authority must give notice of the application to the local authority in whose area the dwellinghouse is situated.

(3) Notice under subsection (2) must be given in the form and manner prescribed under section 11(3) of the Homelessness etc. (Scotland) Act 2003.

(4) In this section—

• “dwellinghouse” has the meaning given by section 11(8) of the Homelessness etc. (Scotland) Act 2003;

• “local authority” means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994; and “area”, in relation to a local authority, means the local government area for which the authority is constituted.”

(3) In section 266 (recovery orders), after subsection (8) insert—

“(8ZA) If the recoverable property in respect of which the Court of Session makes a recovery order includes heritable property, the Court of Session must, on the application of the enforcement authority, also grant decree of removing and warrant for ejection, enforceable by the trustee for civil recovery, in relation to any persons occupying the heritable property.”

(4) In section 267(3) (functions of trustee for civil recovery), after paragraph (b) insert—

“(ba) if decree of removing and warrant for ejection is granted by the Court of Session under section 266(8ZA), to enforce the decree and warrant,”.

(5) After section 269 insert—

“269A Leases and occupancy rights: Scotland

(1) This section applies where, in making a recovery order, the Court of Session also grants decree of removing and warrant for ejection under section 266(8ZA) in relation to any persons occupying the heritable property.

(2) Any lease under which a person has the right to occupy the heritable property (or part of it) for residential or commercial purposes is terminated on the granting of decree of removing and warrant for ejection.

(3) Any other right to occupy the heritable property (or part of it) which subsists immediately before the granting of decree of removing and warrant for ejection is extinguished on the granting of the decree and warrant.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to a right under a lease to occupy or use the property other than those mentioned in subsection (2).

(5) Where the heritable property is vested in the trustee for civil recovery under the recovery order, the following enactments do not apply in relation to the heritable property—

(a) sections 34 to 38A of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907 (removings, notice of termination of tenancy and notice of removal);

(b) the Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act 1949;

(c) the Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981;

(d) Parts 2 and 3 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (security of tenure and protection against harassment and unlawful eviction);

(e) sections 4 to 7 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (termination of certain leases);

(f) Part 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 (rented accommodation: security of tenure etc.);

(g) Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (occupancy rights and tenancies);

(h) Part 5 of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (security of tenure, termination of tenancy and eviction).”

Commencement Information

I7 S. 29 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I8 S. 29 in force at 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(l)

30 Money received by administrators S

(1) Paragraph 6 of Schedule 3 to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (money received by administrator) is amended as follows.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) for “an appropriate bank or institution” substitute “ a bank or building society ”.

(3) For sub-paragraph (3) substitute—

“(3) In sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) “bank” means an authorised deposit-taker, other than a building society, that has its head office or a branch in the United Kingdom;

(b) “building society” has the same meaning as in the Building Societies Act 1986.

(4) In sub-paragraph (3)(a) “authorised deposit-taker” means—

(a) a person who has permission under Part 4A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to accept deposits;

(b) a person who—

(i) is specified, or is within a class of persons specified, by an order under section 38 of that Act (exemption orders), and

(ii) accepts deposits;

(c) an EEA firm of the kind mentioned in paragraph 5(b) of Schedule 3 to that Act that has permission under paragraph 15 of that Schedule (as a result of qualifying for authorisation under paragraph 12(1) of that Schedule) to accept deposits.

(5) A reference in sub-paragraph (4) to a person or firm with permission to accept deposits does not include a person or firm with permission to do so only for the purposes of, or in the course of, an activity other than accepting deposits.”

Commencement Information

I9 S. 30 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I10 S. 30 in force at 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2017/456, reg. 2(b)

Other miscellaneous provisions U.K.

31 Accredited financial investigators U.K.

(1) The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 47G (appropriate approval for exercise of search and seizure powers in England and Wales), in subsection (3), after paragraph (b) insert—

“(ba) in relation to the exercise of a power by an accredited financial investigator who is—

(i) a member of the civilian staff of a police force in England and Wales (including the metropolitan police force), within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, or

(ii) a member of staff of the City of London police force,

a senior police officer,”.

(3) In section 195G (appropriate approval for exercise of search and seizure powers in Northern Ireland), in subsection (3), after paragraph (b) insert—

“(ba) in relation to the exercise of a power by an accredited financial investigator who is a member of staff of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, a senior police officer,”.

(4) In section 290 (prior approval for exercise of search powers in relation to cash), in subsection (4), after paragraph (b) insert—

“(ba) in relation to the exercise of a power by an accredited financial investigator who is—

(i) a member of the civilian staff of a police force in England and Wales (including the metropolitan police force), within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011,

(ii) a member of staff of the City of London police force, or

(iii) a member of staff of the Police Service of Northern Ireland,

a senior police officer,”.

Commencement Information

I11 S. 31 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I12 S. 31(1) in force at 31.1.2018 for specified purposes for E.W.S. by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(m)

I13 S. 31(1) in force at 28.6.2021 for specified purposes for N.I. by S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(n)

I14 S. 31(2)(4) in force at 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(n)

I15 S. 31(3) in force at 28.6.2021 in so far as not already in force by S.R. 2021/167, reg. 2(b)

I16 S. 31(4) in force at 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(o)

32 Reconsideration of discharged orders U.K.

(1) The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 24 (inadequacy of available amount: discharge of order made under Part 2), after subsection (5) insert—

“(6) The discharge of a confiscation order under this section does not prevent the making of an application in respect of the order under section 21(1)(d) or 22(1)(c).

(7) Where on such an application the court determines that the order should be varied under section 21(7) or (as the case may be) 22(4), the court may provide that its discharge under this section is revoked.”

(3) In section 25 (small amount outstanding: discharge of order made under Part 2), after subsection (3) insert—

“(4) The discharge of a confiscation order under this section does not prevent the making of an application in respect of the order under section 21(1)(d) or 22(1)(c).

(5) Where on such an application the court determines that the order should be varied under section 21(7) or (as the case may be) 22(4), the court may provide that its discharge under this section is revoked.”

(4) In section 109 (inadequacy of available amount: discharge of order made under Part 3), after subsection (5) insert—

“(6) The discharge of a confiscation order under this section does not prevent the making of an application in respect of the order under section 106(1)(d) or 107(1)(c).

(7) Where on such an application the court determines that the order should be varied under section 106(6) or (as the case may be) 107(3), the court may provide that its discharge under this section is revoked.”

(5) In section 174 (inadequacy of available amount: discharge of order made under Part 4), after subsection (5) insert—

“(6) The discharge of a confiscation order under this section does not prevent the making of an application in respect of the order under section 171(1)(d) or 172(1)(c).

(7) Where on such an application the court determines that the order should be varied under section 171(7) or (as the case may be) 172(4), the court may provide that its discharge under this section is revoked.”

(6) In section 175 (small amount outstanding: discharge of order made under Part 4), after subsection (3) insert—

“(4) The discharge of a confiscation order under this section does not prevent the making of an application in respect of the order under section 171(1)(d) or 172(1)(c).

(5) Where on such an application the court determines that the order should be varied under section 171(7) or (as the case may be) 172(4), the court may provide that its discharge under this section is revoked.”

(7) The amendments made by this section apply in relation to a confiscation order whether made before or after the day on which this section comes into force but do so only where the discharge of the order occurs after that day.

Commencement Information

I17 S. 32 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I18 S. 32(1)(7) in force at 31.1.2018 for specified purposes by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(o)

I19 S. 32(1) in force at 28.6.2021 for specified purposes for N.I. by S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(p)

I20 S. 32(2)(3) in force at 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(p)

I21 S. 32(4) in force at 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2017/456, reg. 2(c)

I22 S. 32(5)(6) in force at 28.6.2021 in so far as not already in force by S.R. 2021/167, reg. 2(c)

I23 S. 32(7) in force at 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(q)

33 Confiscation investigations: determination of the available amount U.K.

In section 341(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (confiscation investigations), at the beginning of paragraph (c) insert “ the available amount in respect of the person or ”.

Commencement Information

I24 S. 33 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I25 S. 33 in force at 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(q)

I26 S. 33 in force at 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(r)

34 Confiscation orders and civil recovery: minor amendments U.K.

(1) The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (10).

(2) In section 82 (free property: England and Wales)—

(a) in subsection (2), after paragraph (e) insert—

“(ea) paragraph 3(2), 6(2), 10D(1), 10G(2), 10J(3), 10S(2) or 10Z2(3) of Schedule 1 to the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001;”;

(b) in subsection (3)(b) for “or 297D” substitute “ , 297D or 298(4) ”;

(c) after subsection (3)(c) (as inserted by paragraph 22 of Schedule 5) insert—

“(d) it has been forfeited in pursuance of a cash forfeiture notice under paragraph 5A of Schedule 1 to the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 or an account forfeiture notice under paragraph 10W of that Schedule;

(e) it is detained under paragraph 5B, 5C, 9A or 10G(7) of that Schedule;

(f) it is the forfeitable property in relation to an order under paragraph 10I(1) of that Schedule.”

(3) In section 148 (free property: Scotland)—

(a) in subsection (2)—

(i) omit “or” at the end of paragraph (e);

(ii) after that paragraph insert—

“(ea) paragraph 3(2), 6(2), 10D(1), 10G(2), 10J(3), 10S(2) or 10Z2(3) of Schedule 1 to the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, or”;

(b) in subsection (3)(b) for “or 297D” substitute “ , 297D or 298(4) ”;

(c) after subsection (3)(c) (as inserted by paragraph 24 of Schedule 5) insert—

“(d) it has been forfeited in pursuance of a cash forfeiture notice under paragraph 5A of Schedule 1 to the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 or an account forfeiture notice under paragraph 10W of that Schedule;

(e) it is detained under paragraph 5B, 5C, 9A or 10G(7) of that Schedule;

(f) it is the forfeitable property in relation to an order under paragraph 10I(1) of that Schedule.”

(4) In section 230 (free property: Northern Ireland)—

(a) in subsection (2), after paragraph (e) insert—

“(ea) paragraph 3(2), 6(2), 10D(1), 10G(2), 10J(3), 10S(2) or 10Z2(3) of Schedule 1 to the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001;”;

(b) in subsection (3)(b) for “or 297D” substitute “ , 297D or 298(4) ”;

(c) after subsection (3)(c) (as inserted by paragraph 27 of Schedule 5) insert—

“(d) it has been forfeited in pursuance of a cash forfeiture notice under paragraph 5A of Schedule 1 to the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 or an account forfeiture notice under paragraph 10W of that Schedule;

(e) it is detained under paragraph 5B, 5C, 9A or 10G(7) of that Schedule;

(f) it is the forfeitable property in relation to an order under paragraph 10I(1) of that Schedule.”

(5) In section 245D (restriction on proceedings and remedies), in subsection (1)(b) after “levied” insert “ , and no power to use the procedure in Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (taking control of goods) may be exercised, ”.

(6) In section 290 (prior approval to exercise of section 289 search powers), in subsection (4), after paragraph (aa) (inserted by Schedule 1 to this Act) insert—

“(ab) in relation to the exercise of a power by a National Crime Agency officer, the Director General of the National Crime Agency or any other National Crime Agency officer authorised by the Director General (whether generally or specifically) for this purpose,”.

(7) In section 297A (forfeiture notice), in subsection (6), after paragraph (ba) (inserted by Schedule 1 to this Act, but before the “or” at the end of that paragraph) insert—

“(bb) the Director General of the National Crime Agency or any other National Crime Agency officer authorised by the Director General (whether generally or specifically) for this purpose,”.

(8) In section 302 (compensation), after subsection (7ZA) (inserted by Schedule 1 to this Act) insert—

“(7ZB) If the cash was seized by a National Crime Agency officer, the compensation is to be paid by the National Crime Agency.”

(9) In that section, in subsection (7A)(a)(i), for “that Part of that Act” substitute “ Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 ”.

(10) In section 306 (mixing property), in subsection (3) after paragraph (c) insert—

“(ca) for the discharge (in whole or in part) of a mortgage, charge or other security,”.

(11) In section 8 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (variation or discharge of confiscation orders), in subsection (3) before paragraph (a) insert—

“(za) a confiscation order made under the Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986,”.

Commencement Information

I27 S. 34 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 58

I28 S. 34(1) in force at 31.1.2018 for specified purposes by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(r)

I29 S. 34(2)(5)-(11) in force at 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(s)

I30 S. 34(3) in force at 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2017/456, reg. 2(d)

I31 S. 34(4) in force at 28.6.2021 in so far as not already in force by S.R. 2021/167, reg. 2(d)