Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995

[F1 PART I] S Confiscation of the Proceeds of Crime

Textual Amendments

F1 Pt. I (ss. 1-20) (except s. 2(7)) repealed (24.2.2003 in so far as repeals ss. 18-20 and otherwise 24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(a), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/120, art. 2(1), Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7 (as amended by S.I. 2003/333, art. 14)); S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. I (ss. 1-20) excluded (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 4, 7(2), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 15(1)

Pt. I (ss. 1-20) applied (with modifications) (1.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/673, art. 4, Sch. 3 paras. 1-12

Confiscation orders S

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2 Benefit from commission of offence S

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(2) F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) In this Act, “property” means any property wherever situated, whether heritable or moveable or whether corporeal or incorporeal.

Textual Amendments

F3 Pt. I (ss. 1-20) (except s. 2(7)) repealed (24.2.2003 in so far as repeals ss. 18-20 and otherwise 24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(a), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/120, art. 2(1), Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7 (as amended by S.I. 2003/333, art. 14)); S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

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Exercise of powers E+W+S

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Compensation S

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Investigation and disclosure of information E+W+S

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PART II S Forfeiture of Property used in Crime

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Pt. 2 excluded (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), ss. 103, 126(2), Sch. 5 para. 7(b)

C8 Pt. II (ss. 21-27) restricted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 4, 7(2), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 15(2)

Pt. II (ss. 21-27) restricted (1.4.1996) by 1998 c. 53, s. 33A (as inserted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 71(6)

Pt. II (ss. 21-27) applied (with modifications) (1.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/675, art. 4, Sch. 3 paras. 2-7

21 Suspended forfeiture order. S

(1) This section applies where in respect of any offence—

(a) the accused is convicted, whether in solemn or summary proceedings; or

(b) in the case of summary proceedings, (without proceeding to conviction) an order is made discharging him absolutely.

(2) Where this section applies, the court may, if it is satisfied on the application of the prosecutor that any property which was at the time of the offence or of the accused’s apprehension in his ownership or possession or under his control—

(a) has been used for the purpose of committing, or facilitating the commission of, any offence; or

(b) was intended to be used for that purpose,

make an order (a “suspended forfeiture order”) in respect of that property.

(3) Any application under this section shall be made—

(a) in proceedings on indictment, when the prosecutor moves for sentence or if the accused is remitted for sentence under section 195 of the 1995 Act, before sentence is pronounced; and

(b) in summary proceedings, following upon the conviction of the accused or, as the case may be, the finding that he committed the offence with which he was charged.

(4) If the prosecutor knows or reasonably suspects the identity of a person (other than the accused) as being the owner of, or otherwise having an interest in, the property to which the suspended forfeiture order relates, he shall intimate that fact to the court on making the application and the order shall name that person as a person having an interest or suspected of having an interest in the property.

(5) Any reference in this Part of this Act to facilitating the commission of an offence shall include a reference to the taking of any steps after it has been committed for the purpose of disposing of any property to which it relates or of avoiding apprehension or detection.

(6) Where, by itself, the use of property constitutes an offence in whole or in part, that property shall be regarded for the purpose of subsection (2)(a) above as used for the purpose of committing the offence, unless the enactment which created the offence expressly excludes the application of this section.

(7) Subject to subsection (8) below, where the accused is convicted of an offence under any enactment, the court shall not be precluded from making a suspended forfeiture order in respect of any property by reason only that the property would not be liable to forfeiture under that enactment.

(8) Subsection (7) above shall not apply—

(a) if the enactment concerned expressly excludes the application of this section; or

(b) to any property which has been used or has been intended to be used as mentioned in subsection (2)(a) or (b) above in relation to the offence of which the accused has been convicted, if the enactment concerned specifies the category of property which is to be liable to forfeiture thereunder, and the category so specified does not include the category of property which has been used or has been intended to be used as aforesaid.

(9) Where the court makes both a suspended forfeiture order and a compensation order under section 249 of the 1995 Act against the same accused in the same proceedings, it may order that, in the event of the property subject to the suspended forfeiture order being forfeited under section 24 of this Act, the proceeds of sale of that property shall be first directed towards satisfaction of the compensation order.

(10) As soon as may be after a suspended forfeiture order has been made, the prosecutor—

(a) shall notify in writing any person named in the order in pursuance of subsection (4) above that the order has been made, and that the person so notified may be entitled to apply to the court for—

(i) the order to be recalled under section 25 of this Act; or

(ii) a direction under section 26 of this Act; and

(b) if the property in respect of which the order has been made includes heritable property in Scotland, shall cause a certified copy of the order to be recorded in the General Register of Sasines or as the case may be registered in the Land Register of Scotland; and

(c) if the court directs him to do so, shall insert a notice in the Edinburgh Gazette or in such other newspaper or journal as appears to the court to be appropriate specifying the terms of the suspended forfeiture order.

(11) Any property in respect of which a suspended forfeiture order is made shall be taken into the possession of or placed under the control of the clerk of court until—

(a) the order is recalled; or

(b) the property is forfeited to the Crown and disposed of under section 24 of this Act or forfeited to another person under that section.

(12) For the purposes of any appeal or review a suspended forfeiture order is a sentence.

(13) In this section “the court” does not include a district court, whether or not constituted by a stipendiary magistrate.

22 Forfeiture: district court. S

(1) Where, in respect of any offence tried in the district court, the accused is convicted or (without proceeding to conviction) an order is made discharging him absolutely the court may, if it is satisfied on the application of the prosecutor that any moveable property which was at the time of the offence or of the accused’s apprehension in his ownership or possession or under his control—

(a) has been used for the purpose of committing, or facilitating the commission of, any offence; or

(b) was intended to be used for that purpose,

order that the property shall be forfeited to and vest in the Crown or such other person as the court may direct.

(2) Any application under subsection (1) above shall be made following upon the conviction of the accused or, as the case may be, the finding that he committed the offence with which he was charged.

(3) Where, by itself, the use of property constitutes an offence in whole or in part, that property shall be regarded for the purpose of subsection (1)(a) above as used for the purpose of committing the offence, unless the enactment which created the offence expressly excludes the application of this section.

(4) Subject to subsection (5) below, where the accused is convicted of an offence under any enactment, the court shall not be precluded from making an order under subsection (1) above in respect of any property by reason only that the property would not be liable to forfeiture under that enactment.

(5) Subsection (4) above shall not apply—

(a) if the enactment concerned expressly excludes the application of this section; or

(b) to any property which has been used or has been intended to be used as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) above in relation to the offence of which the accused has been convicted, if the enactment concerned specifies the category of property which is to be liable to forfeiture thereunder, and the category so specified does not include the category of property which has been used or has been intended to be used as aforesaid.

(6) Where the court makes—

(a) an order under subsection (1) above that property shall be forfeited to the Crown; and

(b) a compensation order under section 249 of the 1995 Act,

against the same accused in the same proceedings, it may order that the proceeds of sale of the property forfeited by virtue of subsection (1) above shall be first directed towards satisfaction of the compensation order.

(7) For the purposes of any appeal or review an order under subsection (1) above is a sentence.

(8) In this section “the court” means the district court.

23 Warrant to search for and seize property. S

(1) Where—

(a) the sheriff is satisfied, on an application being made to him by the prosecutor—

(i) that proceedings have been, or are likely to be, instituted against a person in Scotland for an offence; and

(ii) that there is reasonable cause to believe that property specified in the application is to be found in a place or in premises specified in the application; and

(b) it appears to him that there are reasonable grounds for thinking that in the event of the person being convicted of the offence a suspended forfeiture order might be made in relation to the property,

he may grant a warrant authorising a person named therein to enter and search the place or premises and seize the property.

(2) Where a court has made a suspended forfeiture order in respect of any property, if it is satisfied on the application of the prosecutor—

(a) that there is reasonable cause to believe that the property is to be found in any place or premises; and

(b) that admission to the place or premises has been refused or that it is reasonably believed that such admission will be refused,

it may grant a warrant authorising a person named therein to enter and search the place or premises and seize the property.

(3) An application for a warrant under subsection (2) above may be made at the same time as an application for a suspended forfeiture order.

24 Forfeiture of property subject to suspended forfeiture order. S

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, property in respect of which a suspended forfeiture order has been made shall be forfeited to and vest in the Crown, or such other person as the court may direct, as follows—

(a) heritable property situated in Scotland shall be forfeited at the end of the period of 6 months commencing with the date on which a certified copy of the suspended forfeiture order is recorded in the General Register of Sasines or, as the case may be, registered in the Land Register of Scotland;

(b) heritable property situated outside Scotland shall be forfeited at the end of the period of six months commencing with the date of the making of the suspended forfeiture order;

(c) moveable property shall be forfeited at the end of the period of 60 days commencing with the date of the making of the suspended forfeiture order.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(c) above, moveable property which is certified by the prosecutor as being—

(a) of a perishable or dangerous nature;

(b) of no commercial value; or

(c) property which cannot lawfully be sold, supplied or possessed,

shall be forfeited immediately after the making of the suspended forfeiture order.

(3) If an application for recall or variation of the suspended forfeiture order concerned has been made under section 25 of this Act, there shall be no forfeiture of property mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection (1) above unless and until whichever is the later of the following occurs—

(a) the application is finally disposed of in favour of the prosecutor; or

(b) the period mentioned in that paragraph has expired.

(4) Without prejudice to subsection (2) above, in the event of an appeal against conviction or sentence, there shall be no forfeiture of property until whichever is the later of the following occurs—

(a) the appeal, if it is proceeded with, is determined in favour of the prosecutor; or

(b) the period mentioned in paragraph (a) or, as the case may be, (b) or (c) of subsection (1) above has expired.

(5) Property which has been forfeited to the Crown under this section shall be dealt with by the Crown in such manner as seems to it to be appropriate.

(6) A certificate by the clerk of court that property was forfeited to and vested in the Crown, or another person, under this section on the date specified in the certificate shall be conclusive evidence of that fact; and, in the case of a certificate in respect of heritable property situated in Scotland, the prosecutor shall, forthwith, cause a certified copy of the certificate to be recorded in the General Register of Sasines or, as the case may be, registered in the Land Register of Scotland.

25 Recall or variation of suspended forfeiture order. S

(1) The court shall, on an application being made to it under this section by a person other than the accused, recall a suspended forfeiture order in relation to any property or an interest in property if—

(a) it is satisfied by the applicant on the balance of probabilities that he is the owner of the property or otherwise has an interest in it; and

(b) subsection (2) or subsection (3) below is applicable.

(2) This subsection applies if the court is not satisfied by the prosecutor that—

(a) where the applicant was the owner of or otherwise had an interest in the property before the commission of the offence in connection with which the suspended forfeiture order was made, he—

(i) knew or ought to have known that the property was intended to be used for the purpose of committing, or facilitating the commission of, the offence, and

(ii) did not take all the steps which were reasonable for him to take to prevent such intended use; or

(b) where he has become the owner of, or has otherwise acquired an interest in, the property after the commission of the offence, the applicant knew or ought to have known that the property had been intended to be, or had been, so used.

(3) This subsection applies if the court is satisfied as mentioned in subsection (2) above, but it appears to the court that, in all the circumstances of the case, forfeiture of the property would be excessive or inappropriate.

(4) Where an order (“a recalling order”) recalling a suspended forfeiture order relates to heritable property situated in Scotland, the prosecutor shall, as soon as may be after the recalling order has been made, cause a certified copy of the recalling order to be recorded in the General Register of Sasines or, as the case may be, registered in the Land Register of Scotland.

(5) Where the prosecutor believes that the person named in the suspended forfeiture order in pursuance of section 21(4) of this Act is not the owner of, or does not otherwise have an interest in, the property concerned then—

(a) if he does not know who the true owner is, or who otherwise truly has the interest, he may apply to the court under this section for an order varying the suspended forfeiture order by deleting that name from it;

(b) if he does know or reasonably suspects the identity of the true owner or the person who otherwise truly has the interest (“the correct person”), he may apply to the court under this section for an order varying the suspended forfeiture order by substituting the name of the correct person for that of the person so named.

(6) Where no person is named in the suspended forfeiture order in pursuance of section 21(4) of this Act but the prosecutor later comes to believe that a person is, or may be, the owner of, or otherwise has or may have an interest in, the property concerned, he may apply to the court for an order varying the suspended forfeiture order by naming that person as a person having or being suspected of having such an interest.

(7) The court shall grant any application made in pursuance of subsection (5) or (6) above; and sections 21(10) and 24 of this Act shall apply in relation to an order varying a suspended forfeiture order in accordance with an application under subsection (5) or (6) above as they apply in relation to a suspended forfeiture order.

(8) An application under this section may be made at any time before the property concerned is forfeited to the Crown or another person under section 24 of this Act.

(9) The court shall not be entitled in considering any application under this section to review the sentence passed, or any F7 . . . order of discharge made, in respect of the offence concerned otherwise than as provided by this section.

(10) In this section “the court” means the court which made the suspended forfeiture order.

Textual Amendments

F7 Words in s. 25(9) repealed (1.2.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 14(2), 206, Sch. 2 para. 40(2); S.S.I. 2010/413, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)

26 Property wrongly forfeited: return or compensation. S

(1) Where the court, on an application being made to it by a person other than the accused—

(a) is satisfied by the applicant on the balance of probabilities that in relation to any property forfeited to the Crown or another person under section 24 of this Act or by virtue of an order for forfeiture made under any other enactment he was the owner of, or a person otherwise having an interest in, the property immediately before such forfeiture; and

(b) subsection (3) or (4) below is applicable,

it shall make an order under subsection (2) below.

(2) An order under this subsection shall direct the Crown or, as the case may be, the other person, if the applicant—

(a) was the owner of the property, to return it to him if reasonably practicable to do so or, if not, to pay compensation to him of an amount determined under subsection (5) below; or

(b) otherwise had an interest in the property, to pay compensation to him of an amount corresponding to the value of such interest.

(3) This subsection applies if the court is not satisfied that—

(a) where the applicant was the owner of or otherwise had an interest in the property before the commission of the offence in connection with which the suspended forfeiture order or order for forfeiture was made, he knew or ought to have known that the property was intended to be used for the purpose of committing, or facilitating the commission of, the offence, and did not take all the steps which were reasonable for him to take to prevent such intended use; or

(b) where the applicant has become the owner of, or has otherwise acquired an interest in, the property after the commission of the offence, he knew or ought to have known that the property had been intended to be, or had been, so used.

(4) This subsection applies if the court is satisfied as mentioned in subsection (3) above, but it appears to the court that, in all the circumstances of the case, forfeiture of the property would be excessive or inappropriate.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (2) above, the amount determined under this subsection shall be an amount equal to the amount of any consideration received for the property or the value of any such consideration at the time of the disposal, or, if no consideration was received, an amount equal to the value of the property at the time of the disposal.

(6) An application under subsection (1) shall be made not later than three years after the date on which the property was forfeited as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above.

(7) Where, after property has been forfeited by virtue of section 24 of this Act, the prosecutor comes to believe that the person named in the suspended forfeiture order in pursuance of section 21(4) of this Act is not the owner of, or a person otherwise having an interest in, the property concerned, then—

(a) whether he knows who the true owner was, or who the person truly with the interest was, or not, he shall forthwith notify the court in writing of that belief; and

(b) if he does know or reasonably suspects the identity of the person who was the true owner or who truly had the interest, he shall forthwith notify that person in writing that he may be entitled to apply to the court for a direction under this section.

(8) Where no person has been named in the suspended forfeiture order in pursuance of section 21(4) of this Act or in a variation order under section 25(5) of this Act but, after the property concerned has been forfeited under section 24 of this Act, the prosecutor comes to believe that a person was or might have been the owner of, or otherwise had or might have had an interest in, the property concerned, he shall forthwith notify—

(a) the court of his belief; and

(b) that person in writing that he may be entitled to apply to the court for a direction under this section.

(9) The court shall not be entitled in considering any application under this section to review the sentence passed, or any F8 . . . order of discharge made, in respect of the offence concerned otherwise than as provided by this section.

(10) In this section “the court” means the court which made the suspended forfeiture order or order for forfeiture.

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 26(9) repealed (1.2.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 14(2), 206, Sch. 2 para. 40(3); S.S.I. 2010/413, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)

27 Appeal against court decision under section 25(1) or 26(1). S

(1) An appeal shall lie to the [F9 appropriate Appeal Court] at the instance of—

(a) the applicant against the refusal;

(b) the prosecutor against the granting,

of an application under section 25(1) or 26(1) of this Act, and the [F10 appropriate Appeal Court] in determining such an appeal may make such order as could have been made by the court on an application under that section.

(2) The procedure in an appeal under this section shall be the same as the procedure in an appeal against sentence.

(3) Where a suspended forfeiture order relating to heritable property situated in Scotland is recalled on appeal to the [F11 appropriate Appeal Court], the prosecutor shall, as soon as may be after the appeal has been disposed of, cause a certified copy of the interlocutor of the Court to be recorded in the General Register of Sasines or, as the case may be, registered in the Land Register of Scotland.

[F12 (4) In this section, “appropriate Appeal Court” means—

(a) in the case of an appeal under this section against the refusal or grant of an application in summary proceedings, the Sheriff Appeal Court; and

(b) in the case of an appeal under this section against the refusal or grant of an application in proceedings on indictment, the High Court of Justiciary.]

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in s. 27(1) substituted (22.9.2015) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions No. 2) Order 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/338), art. 1, sch. 2 para. 4(2) (with art. 4)

F10 Words in s. 27(1) substituted (22.9.2015) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions No. 2) Order 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/338), art. 1, sch. 2 para. 4(3) (with art. 4)

F11 Words in s. 27(3) substituted (22.9.2015) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions No. 2) Order 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/338), art. 1, sch. 2 para. 4(2) (with art. 4)

F12 S. 27(4) inserted (22.9.2015) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions No. 2) Order 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/338), art. 1, sch. 2 para. 4(4) (with art. 4)

PART III E+W+S Restraint Orders

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 Pt. III modified (1.5.1998) by S.I. 1998/752, art. 3(1)

Pt. III (ss. 28-34) applied (with modifications) (1.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/673, art. 4, Sch. 3 paras. 13-17

Pt. III (ss. 28-34) applied (with modifications) (1.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/675, art. 4, Sch. 3 paras. 8-12

28 Restraint orders. E+W+S

(1) The court may, on the application of the prosecutor, make an order (in this Part of this Act referred to as a “restraint order”) in the circumstances mentioned in—

(a) F13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) section 30(1) of this Act interdicting any person named in the order from dealing with any property which is, or is liable to be, the subject of a suspended forfeiture order.

(2) F14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) A restraint order shall—

(a) be made on an ex parte application which shall be heard in chambers; and

(b) without prejudice to the time when it becomes effective, be intimated to each person affected by it.

(4) For the purposes of this Part of this Act, dealing with property includes (without prejudice to the generality of the expression)—

(a) making a payment to any person in reduction of the amount of a debt;

(b) removing the property from the jurisdiction of the court; and

(c) transferring or disposing of the property.

(5) Where the court has made a restraint order F15 . . . , a constable or a person commissioned by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise may, for the purpose of preventing any property subject to the order being removed—

(a) in the case of a restraint order made in connection with a drug trafficking offence (including a drug trafficking offence within the meaning of the 1994 Act) from Great Britain;

(b) in any other case, the jurisdiction of the court,

seize that property.

(6) Property seized under subsection (5) above shall be dealt with in accordance with the directions of the court which made the order.

(7) In this Part of this Act, “the court” means where, as regards the criminal proceedings in question, a trial diet or a diet fixed for the purposes of section 76 of the 1995 Act is intended to be held, is being or has been held—

(a) in the High Court of Justiciary, the Court of Session;

(b) in the sheriff court, a sheriff of that court exercising his civil jurisdiction.

(8) The court may, where it has granted a restraint order, interdict a person not subject to that order from dealing with property affected by it while it is in force.

(9) [F16 Subsection](3)(a) above shall apply in relation to an interdict under subsection (8) above as they apply in relation to subsection (1) above; and subsections (1), (2), (4) and (5) of section 31 of this Act shall apply in relation to an interdict under subsection (8) above as they apply in relation to a restraint order.

(10) Without prejudice to the time when it becomes effective, an interdict under subsection (8) above shall be intimated to each person affected by it.

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 28(1)(a) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(b), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F14 S. 28(2) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(b), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F15 Words in s. 28(5) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(b), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F16 Words in s. 28(9) substituted (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456, 458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(5); S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 28 extended (E.W.) (17.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/953, art. 3(4)(a)(i)

C11 S. 28(1) applied (1.12.1998) by 1982 c. 45, Sch. 2A par. para. 8 (as inserted by 1998 c. 37, s. 24(4), Sch. 1; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 4(1)(h)(j))

29 Restraint orders in relation to realisable property. E+W+S

F17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F17 S. 29 repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(c), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

30 Restraint orders in relation to forfeitable property. E+W+S

(1) A restraint order may be made in respect of a person under section 28(1)(b) where—

(a) proceedings have been instituted against him in Scotland for an offence;

(b) the proceedings have not been concluded; and

(c) a suspended forfeiture order has been made in respect of the property concerned or it appears to the court that, in the event of his conviction of the offence, there are reasonable grounds for thinking that a suspended forfeiture order may be made in those proceedings.

(2) A restraint order may also be made where the court is satisfied that it is proposed to institute proceedings in respect of an offence within 28 days and it appears to the court that, in the event of his conviction of the offence, there are reasonable grounds for thinking that a suspended forfeiture order may be made in those proceedings.

(3) Where the court has made a restraint order by virtue of subsection (2) above, and no proceedings have been instituted within 28 days as mentioned in that subsection, the prosecutor shall forthwith apply to the court for the recall of the order and the court shall grant the application.

(4) When proceedings for the offence are concluded, the prosecutor shall forthwith apply to the court for recall of the order and the court shall grant the application.

(5) For the purposes of this section, proceedings are concluded as regards an offence where—

(a) the trial is desertedsimpliciter;

(b) the accused is acquitted or, under section 65 or 147 of the 1995 Act, discharged or liberated;

(c) the High Court of Justiciary or, as the case may be, [F18 the Sheriff Appeal Court or] the sheriff sentences or otherwise deals with him without making a suspended forfeiture order;

(d) his conviction is quashed;

(e) a suspended forfeiture order made in the proceedings is recalled or varied so as to exclude from forfeiture any property to which the restraint order relates; or

(f) the property, or part of the property, to which the restraint order relates is forfeited.

Textual Amendments

F18 Words in s. 30(5)(c) inserted (S.) (28.11.2016) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Relevant Officer and Consequential Provisions) Order 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/387), art. 1, sch. 3 para. 2 (with art. 4(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 30 extended (E.W.) (17.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/953, art. 3(4)(a)(i)

31 Variation and recall of restraint orders. S

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, the court may, at the instance of—

(a) the prosecutor, at any time vary or recall a restraint order in relation to any person or to any property;

(b) any person having an interest, at any time vary or recall a restraint order in relation to the person or to any property.

(2) F19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) Where an application has been made under subsection (1) above for the variation or recall of a restraint order, any property in relation to which the restraint order was made shall not be realised during the period beginning with the making of the application and ending with the determination of the application by the court.

(4) The court may, where it has recalled a restraint order as mentioned in subsection (1)(b)F20 . . . above, order that property of the person at whose instance it was recalled shall cease to be realisable or, as the case may be, liable to forfeiture.

(5) The prosecutor or any person having an interest may reclaim or appeal to the Court of Session against an interlocutor refusing, varying or recalling or refusing to vary or recall a restraint order, within such period as may be prescribed by Act of Sederunt.

(6) Where, in relation to a restraint order which is recalled, interdict has been granted under section 28(8) of this Act, the clerk of court shall, on the restraint order being recalled, forthwith so inform each person so interdicted.

Textual Amendments

F19 S. 31(2) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(d), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F20 Words in s. 31(4) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(d), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

32 Inhibition of property affected by restraint order or by interdict. S

(1) On the application of the [F21 prosecutor, the court] may in respect of heritable realisable property in Scotland affected by a restraint order (whether such property generally or particular such property) grant warrant for inhibition against any person interdicted by the order or, in relation to that property, under section 28(8) of this Act; and subject to the provisions of this Part of this Act, the warrant—

(a) shall have effect as if granted on the dependence of an action for debt at the instance of the [F22 prosecutor] against the person and may be executed, recalled, loosed or restricted accordingly; and

(b) shall [F23 forthwith be registered by the prosecutor in the Register of Inhibitions.].

(2) Section 155 of the M13 Titles to Land Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1868 (effective date of inhibition) shall apply in relation to an inhibition for which warrant has been granted under subsection (1) above F24 . . . .

(3) F25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The fact that an inhibition has been executed under subsection (1) above in respect of property shall not prejudice the exercise of an administrator’s powers under or for the purposes of this Part of this Act in respect of that property.

(5) No inhibition executed under subsection (1) above shall have effect once, or in so far as, the restraint order affecting the property in respect of which the warrant for the inhibition has been granted has ceased to have effect in respect of that property; and the [F26 prosecutor] shall—

(a) apply for the recall, or as the case may be restriction, of the inhibition; and

(b) ensure that the recall, or restriction, of an inhibition on such application is reflected in the Register of Inhibitions F27 . . . .

Textual Amendments

F21 Words in s. 32(1) substituted (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227, Sch. 5 para. 22(a)(i) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6)

F22 Words in s. 32(1)(a) substituted (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227, Sch. 5 para. 22(a)(ii) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6)

F23 Words in s. 32(1)(b) substituted (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227, Sch. 5 para. 22(a)(iii) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6)

F24 Words in s. 32(2) repealed (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227, Sch. 6 (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3, Sch. 2 (with arts. 4-6)

F25 S. 32(3) repealed (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227, Sch. 6 (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3, Sch. 2 (with arts. 4-6)

F26 Words in s. 32(5) substituted (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227, Sch. 5 para. 22(b) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6)

F27 Words in s. 32(5)(b) repealed (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227, Sch. 6 (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3, Sch. 2 (with arts. 4-6)

Marginal Citations

M13 1868 c.101.

33 Arrestment of property affected by restraint order. E+W+S

(1) On the application of the prosecutor, the court may, in respect of moveable property affected by a restraint order (whether such property generally or particular such property), grant warrant for arrestment if the property would be arrestable if the person entitled to it were a debtor.

(2) A warrant under subsection (1) above shall have effect as if granted on the dependence of an action for debt at the instance of the prosecutor against the person and may be executed, recalled, loosed or restricted accordingly.

(3) The fact that an arrestment has been executed under subsection (2) above in respect of property shall not prejudice the exercise of an administrator’s powers under or for the purposes of this Act in respect of that property.

(4) No arrestment executed under subsection (2) above shall have effect once, or in so far as, the restraint order affecting the property in respect of which the warrant for such arrestment has been granted has ceased to have effect in respect of that property; and the prosecutor shall apply to the court for an order recalling, or as the case may be, restricting the arrestment accordingly.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 33(1) extended (E.W.) (17.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/953, art. 3(4)(a)(i)

C14 S. 33(2) extended (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 43, ss. 14(3), 50(2)

34 Administrators. E+W+S

Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect as regards the appointment of administrators under this Act.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 34 extended (E.W.) (17.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/953, art. 3(4)(a)(i)

PART IV E+W+S Reciprocal Arrangements for Enforcement of Orders

35 Recognition and enforcement of orders made in England and Wales. S

F28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28 S. 35 repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(e), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-13) (as amended by S.I. 2003/531)

36 Provisions supplementary to section 35. S

F29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 36 repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(e), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-13) (as amended by S.I. 2003/531)

37 Inhibition of Scottish property affected by order registered under section 35. S

F30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 37 repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(e), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-13) (as amended by S.I. 2003/531)

38 Arrestment of Scottish property affected by order registered under section 35. S

F31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 38 repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1)(3), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(e), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-13) (as amended by S.I. 2003/531)

39 Enforcement of Northern Ireland orders. S

F32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 39 repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(e), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-13) (as amended by S.I. 2003/531)

40 Enforcement of orders made outside United Kingdom. S

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council—

(a) F33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) make—

(i) such provision as to evidence or proof of any matter for the purposes of this section and section 41 of this Act; and

(ii) such incidental, consequential and transitional provision,

as appears to Her Majesty to be expedient.

(2) F34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) An Order in Council under this section may make different provision for different cases or classes of case.

(4) F35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) An Order in Council under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 40(1)(a) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(f), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F34 S. 40(2) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(f), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F35 S. 40(4) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(f), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

41 Registration of external confiscation orders. S

(1) On an application made by or on behalf of the Government of a designated country, the Court of Session may register an external confiscation order made there if—

(a) it is satisfied that at the time of registration the order is in force and not subject to appeal;

(b) it is satisfied, where the person against whom the order is made did not appear in the proceedings, that he received notice of the proceedings in sufficient time to enable him to defend them; and

(c) it is of the opinion that enforcing the order in Scotland would not be contrary to the interests of justice.

(2) In subsection (1) above “appeal” includes—

(a) any proceedings by way of discharging or setting aside a judgment; and

(b) an application for a new trial or a stay of execution.

(3) The Court of Session shall cancel the registration of an external confiscation order if it appears to the court that the order has been satisfied by payment of the amount due under it or by the person against whom it was made serving imprisonment in default of payment or by any other means.

42 Enforcement of Scottish orders in England and Wales. E+W

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council make such provision as Her Majesty considers expedient for the purpose—

(a) F36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) F37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) of enabling the enforcement in England and Wales of restraint orders, suspended forfeiture orders and forfeiture orders under any enactment other than the [F38 Terrorism Act 2000] .

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred by subsection (1) above, an Order in Council under this section may—

(a) provide that, subject to any specific conditions, such description of orders made under or for the purposes of [F39 Part] II or III of this Act so far as it relates to realisable property shall have effect in the law of England and Wales;

(b) provide that, subject to any specified conditions, the functions of a person appointed under Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect in the law of England and Wales;

(c) make provision—

(i) for the registration in the High Court of such descriptions of orders made under or for the purposes of [F40 Part] II or III of this Act so far as it relates to realisable property as may be specified; and

(ii) for the High Court to have, in relation to the enforcement of orders made under or for the purposes of [F41 Part] Part II or III of this Act so far as it so relates which are so registered, such powers as may be specified; and

(d) make provision as to the proof in England and Wales of orders made under or for the purposes of [F42 Part] II or III of this Act so far as it so relates.

(3) In subsection (2) above “specified” means specified in an Order in Council under this section.

(4) An Order in Council under this section may amend or apply, with or without modifications, any enactment.

(5) An Order in Council under this section may contain such incidental, consequential and transitional provisions as Her Majesty considers expedient.

(6) An Order in Council under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 42(1)(a) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(g), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-13) (as amended by S.I. 2003/531)

F37 S. 42(1)(b) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(g), Sch. 12; S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions in arts. 3-13) (as amended by S.I. 2003/531)

F38 Words in s. 42(1)(c) substituted (19.2.2001) by 2000 c. 11, s. 125, Sch. 15 para. 11; S.I. 2001/421, art. 2

F39 Words in s. 42(2)(a) substituted (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456, 458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(6); S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F40 Words in s. 42(2)(c)(i) substituted (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456, 458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(6); S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F41 Words in s. 42(2)(c)(ii) substituted (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456, 458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(6); S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F42 Words in s. 42(2)(d) substituted (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456, 458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(6); S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

43 Order in Council as regards taking of action in designated country. S

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council make such provision in connection with the taking of action in a designated country in consequence of the making of a restraint order F43 . . . or suspended forfeiture order under this Act or a forfeiture order under any other enactment as appears to Her Majesty to be expedient.

(2) F44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) An Order in Council under this section may amend or apply, with or without modifications, any enactment.

(4) Subsections (1)(b), (3) and (5) of section 40 of this Act shall apply in respect of Orders in Council under this section as they apply in respect of Orders in Council under that section.

Textual Amendments

F43 Words in s. 43(1) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(h), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F44 S. 43(2) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(h), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

PART V E+W+S Miscellaneous and General

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 Pt. V (ss.44-50) applied (with modifications) (S.) (1.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/675, art. 4, Sch. 3 paras. 13-17

44 Sequestration etc of person holding realisable or forfeitable property. E+W+S

(1) Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect in relation to the sequestration, bankruptcy, winding up or receivership of persons or, as the case may be, companies holding realisable or forfeitable property.

(2) In this section and in that Schedule “forfeitable property” means property which is or is liable to be the subject of a suspended forfeiture order.

45 Disposal of family home under Part I or II. S

(1) This section applies where —

(a) F45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) a person’s family home has been forfeited to the Crown under section 24 of this Act.

(2) Where this section applies, then, before the Crown disposes of any right or interest in the person’s family home it shall—

(a) obtain the relevant consent; or

(b) where it is unable to do so, apply to the court for authority to carry out the disposal.

(3) On an application being made to it under subsection (2)(b) above, the court, after having regard to all the circumstances of the case including—

(a) the needs and financial resources of the spouse or former spouse of the person concerned;

(b) the needs and financial resources of any child of the family;

(c) the length of the period during which the family home has been used as a residence by any of the persons referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) above,

may refuse to grant the application or may postpone the granting of the application for such period (not exceeding 12 months) as it may consider reasonable in the circumstances or may grant the application subject to such conditions as it may prescribe.

(4) Subsection (3) above shall apply—

(a) to an action for division and sale of the family home of the person concerned; or

(b) to an action for the purpose of obtaining vacant possession of that home,

brought by the Crown as it applies to an application under subsection (2)(b) above and, for the purposes of this subsection, any reference in the said subsection (3) to the granting of the application shall be construed as a reference to the granting of decree in the action.

(5) In this section—

• “family home”, in relation to any person (in this subsection referred to as “the relevant person”) means any property in which the relevant person has or had (whether alone or in common with any other person) a right or interest, being property which is occupied as a residence by the relevant person and his or her spouse or by the relevant person’s spouse or former spouse (in any case with or without a child of the family) or by the relevant person with a child of the family;

• “child of the family” includes any child or grandchild of either the relevant person or his or her spouse or former spouse, and any person who has been treated by either the relevant person or his or her spouse or former spouse as if he or she were a child of the relevant person, spouse or former spouse, whatever the age of such a child, grandchild or person may be; and

• “relevant consent” means in relation to the disposal of any right or interest in a family home—

  (a)

  in a case where the family home is occupied by the spouse or former spouse of the relevant person, the consent of the spouse or, as the case may be, of the former spouse, whether or not the family home is also occupied by the relevant person;

  (b)

  where paragraph (a) above does not apply, in a case where the family home is occupied by the relevant person with a child of the family, the consent of the relevant person.

Textual Amendments

F45 S. 45(1)(a) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(i), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

46 Forfeiture of property where accused has died. S

(1) This section applies where at any time after criminal proceedings have been instituted against an accused for an offence to which Part I of this Act applies and before the accused has been sentenced or otherwise dealt with in the proceedings he dies.

(2) The Court of Session, if it is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt on an application being made to it by the Lord Advocate—

(a) that the accused committed the offence; and

(b) that there is property—

(i) which the accused had obtained, directly or indirectly, in connection with the commission of the offence or, as the case may be, in connection with drug trafficking; or

(ii) which is a gift caught by Part I of this Act or, as the case may be, an implicative gift,

may, subject to subsection (5) below, make an order which shall have the effect of forfeiting that property.

(3) The Court of Session may, without prejudice to any other power available to it, at any time before the determination of the case, allow an amendment of the application under subsection (2) above if the amendment is of a type which could competently have been made in an indictment or complaint under section 96 or 159 of the 1995 Act in the criminal proceedings.

(4) An application under subsection (2) above shall be made as soon as is reasonably practicable after the relevant information becomes available to the Lord Advocate, but, in any event, within 6 years commencing with the date of death of the accused.

(5) An application under subsection (2) above in relation to property such as is mentioned in paragraph (b)(ii) of that subsection shall be served on the recipient of the gift and, if he satisfies the Court on the balance of probabilities—

(a) that he received the gift not knowing, not suspecting and not having reasonable grounds to suspect that the gift was made in contemplation of, or after, the commission of the offence or, if more than one, in contemplation of any of the offences or after the commission of the earlier or the earliest of the offences to which the proceedings for the time being relate; and

(b) that he was not associated with the giver in the commission of the offence; and

(c) that he would suffer hardship if the application were granted,

the Court may refuse to make an order as mentioned in that subsection; and in the application of this subsection to an implicative gift, any reference to the commission of the offence shall be construed as a reference to the drug trafficking and the reference in paragraph (b) above to the earlier or earliest of more than one offence shall be construed as a reference to the beginning of the drug trafficking.

(6) Where property has been forfeited under this section, then, if the Court of Session, on an application being made to it is satisfied by the applicant on the balance of probabilities that he was the owner of, or otherwise had an interest in, the property immediately before such forfeiture, it shall make an order under subsection (7) below.

(7) An order under this subsection shall direct the Crown, if the applicant—

(a) was the owner of the property, to return it to him if it is reasonably practicable to do so or, if not, to pay compensation to him of an amount determined under subsection (8) below; or

(b) otherwise had an interest in the property, to pay compensation to him of an amount corresponding to the value of such interest.

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7) above, the amount determined under this subsection shall be an amount equal to the amount of any consideration received for the property or the value of any such consideration at the time of the disposal, or, if no consideration was received, an amount equal to the value of the property at the time of the disposal.

(9) Property which has been forfeited under this section shall be dealt with by the Crown in such manner as seems to it to be appropriate.

(10) Where a restraint order is not in force in respect of a person when he dies in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) above, the Court of Session may, on the application of the Lord Advocate, in so far as the property concerned is—

(a) heritable property in Scotland, make an order inhibiting any person; and

(b) moveable property, grant warrant for arrestment if the property would be arrestable if the person entitled to it were a debtor.

(11) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) and subsections (2) to (5) of section 32 of this Act shall, subject to any necessary modifications, apply for the purposes of subsection (10)(a) above as they apply for the purposes of that section.

(12) Subsections (2) to (4) of section 33 of this Act shall, subject to any necessary modifications, apply for the purposes of subsection (10)(b) above as they apply for the purposes of that section.

(13) Proceedings under this section are civil proceedings for the purposes of section 10 of the M14 Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1968.

Marginal Citations

M14 1968 c.70.

47 Construction of certain enactments. S

F46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F46 S. 47 repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(j), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

48 Service and notice. S

Subject to the provisions of this Act, provision may be made by rules of court as to the giving of notice required for the purposes of this Act in so far as it is connected with drug trafficking or the effecting of service so required; and different provision may be so made for different cases or classes of case and for different circumstances or classes of circumstance.

49 Interpretation. S

(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

• F47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• F48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• F49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• “the 1995 Act” means the M15 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995;

• “accused” includes a person against whom criminal proceedings have been instituted in relation to the commission of an offence and a person convicted of an offence;

• “clerk of court” includes the sheriff clerk;

• F50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• “interest”, in relation to property, includes right;

• “property” has the meaning assigned by section 2 of this Act;

• “realisable property” has the meaning assigned by section 4 of this Act;

• “restraint order” means an order made under section 28 of this Act;

• “suspended forfeiture order” means an order made under section 21(2) of this Act.

(2) In this Act, “drug trafficking” means, subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, doing or being concerned in any of the following, whether in Scotland or elsewhere—

(a) producing or supplying a controlled drug where the production or supply contravenes section 4(1) of the M16 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971;

(b) transporting or storing such a drug where possession of it contravenes section 5(1) of that Act;

(c) importing or exporting such a drug where the importation or exportation is prohibited by section 3(1) of that Act;

(d) producing, supplying, transporting, storing, importing or exporting such a drug in contravention of a corresponding law (“corresponding law” having the meaning assigned by section 36(1) of that Act);

(e) manufacturing or supplying a scheduled substance within the meaning of section 12 of the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990 where the manufacture or supply is an offence under that section;

(f) acquiring, having possession of or using property in contravention of section 37 of the M17 Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995;

(g) concealing or transferring the proceeds of drug trafficking in contravention of section 14 of the said Act of 1990;

(h) using any ship for illicit traffic in controlled drugs in contravention of section 19 of the said Act of 1990.

(3) Drug trafficking also includes, whether in Scotland or elsewhere, entering into or being otherwise concerned in any arrangement whereby—

(a) the retention or control by or on behalf of another person of the other person’s proceeds of drug trafficking is facilitated, or

(b) the proceeds of drug trafficking by another person are used to secure that funds are placed at the other person’s disposal or are used for the other person’s benefit to acquire property by way of investment.

(4) F51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) In this Act a “drug trafficking offence” means any of the following—

(a) an offence under—

(i) section 4(2) (production, or being concerned in production, of controlled drug);

(ii) section 4(3) (supply of, or offer to supply, or being concerned in supply of, controlled drug);

(iii) section 5(3) (possession of controlled drug with intent to supply); or

(iv) section 20 (assisting in, or inducing commission of, certain drug related offences punishable under foreign law),

of the M18 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971;

(b) in connection with a prohibition or restriction on importation and exportation having effect by virtue of section 3 of the said Act of 1971, an offence under section 50(2) or (3) (improper importation), 68(2) (improper exportation) or 170 (fraudulent evasion of duty etc.) of the M19 Customs and Excise Management Act 1979;

(c) an offence under section 37 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995;

(d) an offence under section 38 of the said Act of 1995;

(e) an offence under section 12, 14 or 19 of the M20 Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990;

(f) an offence of conspiring, inciting or attempting to commit an offence mentioned in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (e) above.

(6) For the purposes of this Act proceedings for an offence are instituted against a person—

(a) on his arrest without warrant;

(b) when he is charged with the offence without being arrested;

(c) when a warrant to arrest him is granted;

(d) when a warrant to cite him is granted;

(e) in summary proceedings, on the first calling of the case; or

(f) when a petition is intimated to him or an indictment or a complaint is served on him,

and, where the application of this subsection would result in there being more than one time for the institution of proceedings, they shall be taken to be instituted at the earliest of those times.

(7) Any reference in this Act to a conviction of an offence includes a reference to a finding that the offence has been committed.

Textual Amendments

F47 In s. 49(1) the definition of "the 1988 Act" repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1)(3), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(k), Sch. 12; S.S.I.

2003/210, {art. 2}, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F48 S. 49(1): definition of “the 1989 Act” repealed (19.2.2001) by 2000 c. 11, s. 125, Sch. 15 paras. 11(4), Sch. 16 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/421, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F49 In s. 49(1) the definition of "the 1994 Act" repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1)(3), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(k), Sch. 12; S.S.I.

2003/210, {art. 2}, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F50 In s. 49(1) the definition of "confiscation order" repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1)(3), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(k), Sch. 12; S.S.I.

2003/210, {art. 2}, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

F51 S. 49(4) repealed (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), ss. 456-458(1)(3), Sch. 11 para. 28(2)(k), Sch. 12; S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-7)

Marginal Citations

M15 1995 c.46.

M16 1971 c.38.

M17 1995 c.39.

M18 1971 c.38.

M19 1979 c.2.

M20 1990 c.5.

50 Short title, commencement and extent. E+W+S

(1) This Act may be cited as the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995.

(2) This Act shall come into force on 1 April 1996.

(3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5) below, this Act extends only to Scotland.

(4) Section 44 of and Schedule 2 to this Act and this section extend to England and Wales as well as to Scotland.

(5) Section 42 of this Act extends only to England and Wales.