Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Chapter 4 U.K. General

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. 5 Ch. 4: power to modify conferred (25.4.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(11)(f), Sch. 25 para. 7

Recoverable property U.K.

304 Property obtained through unlawful conduct U.K.

(1) Property obtained through unlawful conduct is recoverable property.

(2) But if property obtained through unlawful conduct has been disposed of (since it was so obtained), it is recoverable property only if it is held by a person into whose hands it may be followed.

(3) Recoverable property obtained through unlawful conduct may be followed into the hands of a person obtaining it on a disposal by—

(a) the person who through the conduct obtained the property, or

(b) a person into whose hands it may (by virtue of this subsection) be followed.

305 Tracing property, etc. U.K.

(1) Where property obtained through unlawful conduct (“the original property”) is or has been recoverable, property which represents the original property is also recoverable property.

(2) If a person enters into a transaction by which—

(a) he disposes of recoverable property, whether the original property or property which (by virtue of this Chapter) represents the original property, and

(b) he obtains other property in place of it,

the other property represents the original property.

(3) If a person disposes of recoverable property which represents the original property, the property may be followed into the hands of the person who obtains it (and it continues to represent the original property).

306 Mixing property U.K.

(1) Subsection (2) applies if a person’s recoverable property is mixed with other property (whether his property or another’s).

(2) The portion of the mixed property which is attributable to the recoverable property represents the property obtained through unlawful conduct.

(3) Recoverable property is mixed with other property if (for example) it is used—

(a) to increase funds held in a bank account,

(b) in part payment for the acquisition of an asset,

(c) for the restoration or improvement of land,

[F1 (ca) for the discharge (in whole or in part) of a mortgage, charge or other security,]

(d) by a person holding a leasehold interest in the property to acquire the freehold.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 306(3)(ca) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 34(10), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(s)

307 Recoverable property: accruing profits U.K.

(1) This section applies where a person who has recoverable property obtains further property consisting of profits accruing in respect of the recoverable property.

(2) The further property is to be treated as representing the property obtained through unlawful conduct.

308 General exceptions U.K.

(1) If—

(a) a person disposes of recoverable property, and

(b) the person who obtains it on the disposal does so in good faith, for value and without notice that it was recoverable property,

the property may not be followed into that person’s hands and, accordingly, it ceases to be recoverable.

(2) If recoverable property is vested, forfeited or otherwise disposed of in pursuance of powers conferred by virtue of this Part, it ceases to be recoverable.

(3) If—

(a) in pursuance of a judgment in civil proceedings (whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere), the defendant makes a payment to the claimant or the claimant otherwise obtains property from the defendant,

(b) the claimant’s claim is based on the defendant’s unlawful conduct, and

(c) apart from this subsection, the sum received, or the property obtained, by the claimant would be recoverable property,

the property ceases to be recoverable.

In relation to Scotland, “claimant” and “defendant” are to be read as “pursuer” and “defender”.

(4) If—

(a) a payment is made to a person in pursuance of a compensation order under Article 14 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 (S.I. 1994/2795 (N.I. 15)), section 249 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46) or [F2 Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] [F3 or in pursuance of a service compensation order under the Armed Forces Act 2006], and

(b) apart from this subsection, the sum received would be recoverable property,

the property ceases to be recoverable.

[F4 (4A) If—

(a) a payment is made to a person in pursuance of a slavery and trafficking reparation order under section 8 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and

(b) apart from this subsection, the sum received would be recoverable property,

the property ceases to be recoverable.]

[F5 (4A) If—

(a) a payment is made to a person in pursuance of a slavery and trafficking reparation order under Schedule 2 to the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015, and

(b) apart from this subsection, the sum received would be recoverable property,

the property ceases to be recoverable.]

(5) If—

(a) a payment is made to a person in pursuance of a restitution order under section 27 of the Theft Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 (c. 16 (N.I.)) or [F6 Chapter 3 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] or a person otherwise obtains any property in pursuance of such an order, and

(b) apart from this subsection, the sum received, or the property obtained, would be recoverable property,

the property ceases to be recoverable.

(6) If—

(a) in pursuance of an order made by the court under section 382(3) or 383(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (c. 8) (restitution orders), an amount is paid to or distributed among any persons in accordance with the court’s directions, and

(b) apart from this subsection, the sum received by them would be recoverable property,

the property ceases to be recoverable.

(7) If—

(a) in pursuance of a requirement of the [F7 Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority or the Bank of England under or by virtue of] section 384(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (power F8 ... to require restitution), an amount is paid to or distributed among any persons, and

(b) apart from this subsection, the sum received by them would be recoverable property,

the property ceases to be recoverable.

[F9 (7A) If—

(a) a payment is made to a person in pursuance of an unlawful profit order under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013, and

(b) apart from this subsection, the sum received would be recoverable property,

the property ceases to be recoverable.]

(8) Property is not recoverable while a restraint order applies to it, that is—

(a) an order under section 41, 120 or 190, or

(b) an order under any corresponding provision of an enactment mentioned in section 8(7)(a) to (g).

[F10 (8A) Property is not recoverable while it is detained under or by virtue of section 44A, 47J, 47K, 47M, 47P, 122A, 127J, 127K, 127M, 127P, 193A, 195J, 195K, 195M or 195P.]

(9) Property is not recoverable if it has been taken into account in deciding the amount of a person’s benefit from criminal conduct for the purpose of making a confiscation order, that is—

(a) an order under section 6, 92 or 156, or

(b) an order under a corresponding provision of an enactment mentioned in section 8(7)(a) to (g),

and, in relation to an order mentioned in paragraph (b), the reference to the amount of a person’s benefit from criminal conduct is to be read as a reference to the corresponding amount under the enactment in question.

(10) Where—

(a) a person enters into a transaction to which section 305(2) applies, and

(b) the disposal is one to which subsection (1) or (2) applies,

this section does not affect the recoverability (by virtue of section 305(2)) of any property obtained on the transaction in place of the property disposed of.

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 308(4)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 200(2) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F3 Words in s. 308(4)(a) inserted (28.3.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 197; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F4 S. 308(4A) inserted (E.W.) (31.7.2015) by Modern Slavery Act 2015 (c. 30), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 21; S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

F5 S. 308(4A) inserted (N.I.) (14.1.2015) by Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4 para. 17

F6 Words in s. 308(5)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 200(3) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F7 Words in s. 308(7)(a) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 18 para. 94(3)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F8 Words in s. 308(7)(a) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 18 para. 94(3)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F9 S. 308(7A) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 23; S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F10 S. 308(8A) inserted (1.6.2015 for specified purposes, 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), s. 116(1), Sch. 7 para. 78; S.I. 2015/983, arts. 2(2)(e), 3(o); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(i)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 308(4) modified (24.4.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), art. 1(3), Sch. 1 para. 51

309 Other exemptions U.K.

(1) An order may provide that property is not recoverable or (as the case may be) associated property if—

(a) it is prescribed property, or

(b) it is disposed of in pursuance of a prescribed enactment or an enactment of a prescribed description.

(2) An order may provide that if property is disposed of in pursuance of a prescribed enactment or an enactment of a prescribed description, it is to be treated for the purposes of section 278 as if it had been disposed of in pursuance of a recovery order.

(3) An order under this section may be made so as to apply to property, or a disposal of property, only in prescribed circumstances; and the circumstances may relate to the property or disposal itself or to a person who holds or has held the property or to any other matter.

(4) In this section, an order means an order made by the Secretary of State after consultation with the Scottish Ministers [F11 and the Department of Justice], and prescribed means prescribed by the order.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 309(4) inserted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 14 para. 64 (with arts. 28-31)

310 Granting interests U.K.

(1) If a person grants an interest in his recoverable property, the question whether the interest is also recoverable is to be determined in the same manner as it is on any other disposal of recoverable property.

(2) Accordingly, on his granting an interest in the property (“the property in question”)—

(a) where the property in question is property obtained through unlawful conduct, the interest is also to be treated as obtained through that conduct,

(b) where the property in question represents in his hands property obtained through unlawful conduct, the interest is also to be treated as representing in his hands the property so obtained.

Insolvency U.K.

311 Insolvency U.K.

(1) Proceedings for a recovery order may not be taken or continued in respect of property to which subsection (3) applies unless the appropriate court gives leave and the proceedings are taken or (as the case may be) continued in accordance with any terms imposed by that court.

(2) An application for an order for the further detention of any cash to which subsection (3) applies may not be made under section 295 unless the appropriate court gives leave.

[F12 (2A) An application for an order for the further detention of any property to which subsection (3) applies may not be made under section 303L unless the appropriate court gives leave.

(2B) An application for the making of an account freezing order under section 303Z3 in respect of an account in which is held money to which subsection (3) applies, or an application under section 303Z4 for the extension of the period specified in such an order, may not be made unless the appropriate court gives leave.]

(3) This subsection applies to recoverable property, or property associated with it, if—

(a) it is an asset of a company being wound up in pursuance of a resolution for voluntary winding up,

(b) it is an asset of a company and a voluntary arrangement under Part 1 of the 1986 Act, or Part 2 of the 1989 Order, has effect in relation to the company,

(c) an order under [F13 section 286 of the 1986 Act, Article 259 of the 1989 Order or section 54 of the 2016 Act] (appointment of interim trustee or interim receiver) has effect in relation to the property,

(d) it is an asset comprised in the estate of an individual who has been [F14 made] bankrupt or, in relation to Scotland, of a person whose estate has been sequestrated,

(e) it is an asset of an individual and a voluntary arrangement under Part 8 of the 1986 Act, or Part 8 of the 1989 Order, has effect in relation to him, or

(f) in relation to Scotland, it is property comprised in the estate of a person who has granted a trust deed within the meaning of the [F15 2016] Act.

(4) An application under this section, or under any provision of the 1986 Act or the 1989 Order, for leave to take proceedings for a recovery order [F16 , or to apply for an account freezing order under section 303Z3,] may be made without notice to any person.

(5) Subsection (4) does not affect any requirement for notice of an application to be given to any person acting as an insolvency practitioner or to the official receiver (whether or not acting as an insolvency practitioner).

(6) References to the provisions of the 1986 Act in sections 420 and 421 of that Act, or to the provisions of the 1989 Order in Articles 364 or 365 of that Order, (insolvent partnerships and estates of deceased persons) include subsections (1) to (3) above.

(7) In this section—

F17 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) the 1986 Act means the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45),

(c) the 1989 Order means the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/2405 (N.I. 19)),

[F18 (d) the 2016 Act means the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016]

and in subsection (8) “the applicable enactment” means whichever enactment mentioned in paragraphs [F19 (b) to (d)] is relevant to the resolution, arrangement, order or trust deed mentioned in subsection (3).

(8) In this section—

(a) an asset means any property within the meaning of the applicable enactment or, where the [F20 2016 Act is the applicable enactment, any property comprised in an estate to which that] Act applies,

(b) the appropriate court means the court which, in relation to the resolution, arrangement, order or trust deed mentioned in subsection (3), is the court for the purposes of the applicable enactment or, in relation to Northern Ireland, the High Court,

(c) acting as an insolvency practitioner has the same meaning as in section 433,

(d) other expressions used in this section and in the applicable enactment have the same meaning as in that enactment.

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 311(2A)(2B) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 34(2); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(g)

F13 Words in s. 311(3)(c) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 25(6)(a)(i)

F14 Word in s. 311(3)(d) substituted (6.4.2016) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Consequential Amendments) (Bankruptcy) and the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/481), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 18

F15 Word in s. 311(3)(f) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 25(6)(a)(ii)

F16 Words in s. 311(4) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 34(3); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(g)

F17 S. 311(7)(a) omitted (30.11.2016) by virtue of The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 25(6)(b)(i)

F18 S. 311(7)(d) inserted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 25(6)(b)(ii)

F19 Words in s. 311(7) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 25(6)(b)(iii)

F20 Words in s. 311(8)(a) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 25(6)(c)

[F21 Chapters 3C to 3F: supplementary U.K.

Textual Amendments

F21 S. 311A and cross-heading inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for S. for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for E.W.N.I. in so far as not already in force, 7.11.2024 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 9 para. 6(6); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii); S.I. 2024/1108, reg. 2

311A Financial investigators U.K.

(1) This section applies where an accredited financial investigator of a particular description—

(a) applies for an order under section 303Z28, 303Z32, 303Z57 or 303Z58 (further detention of cryptoassets etc),

(b) applies for forfeiture under section 303Z41 or 303Z60 (forfeiture of cryptoassets etc), or

(c) brings an appeal under, or relating to, Chapter 3E or 3F (cryptoassets etc).

(2) Any subsequent step in the application or appeal, or any further application or appeal relating to the same matter, may be taken, made or brought by a different accredited financial investigator of the same description.]

Delegation of enforcement functions U.K.

312 Performance of functions of Scottish Ministers by constables in Scotland U.K.

(1) In Scotland, a constable engaged in temporary service with the Scottish Ministers in connection with their functions under this Part may perform functions, other than those specified in subsection (2), on behalf of the Scottish Ministers.

(2) The specified functions are the functions conferred on the Scottish Ministers by—

(a) sections 244(1) and (2) and 256(1) and (7) (proceedings in the Court of Session),

(b) section 267(2) (trustee for civil recovery),

(c) sections [F22 271(3) and (4)] [F22 271] and 272(5) (agreements about associated and joint property),

(d) section 275(3) (pension schemes),

(e) section 282(1) (exemptions),

(f) section 283(5) and (8) (compensation),

(g) section 287(2) (financial threshold),

(h) section 293(1) (code of practice),

(i) section 298(1) (forfeiture),

(j) section 303(1) (minimum amount).

[F23 (k) section 303B(3) (listed asset);

(l) section 303H(1) (code of practice);

(m) section 303O(1)(b) (forfeiture);

(n) section 303Y(3) (minimum value);

(o) section 303Z8(3) (minimum amount);

(p) section 303Z14(2)(b) (forfeiture).]

[F24 (q) section 303Z20(3) (cryptoassets);

(r) section 303Z25 (codes of practice);

(s) section 303Z28(5)(b) (further detention of seized cryptoasset-related items);

(t) section 303Z32(5)(b) (further detention of seized cryptoassets);

(u) section 303Z34(4) and (5)(b)(i) (release of cryptoassets and cryptoasset-related items);

(v) section 303Z35(5) (crypto wallets);

(w) section 303Z41(2)(b) (forfeiture of cryptoassets);

(x) section 303Z42(10) (forfeiture of cryptoassets: supplementary);

(y) section 303Z44 (agreements about associated and joint property);

(z) section 303Z45(10) (associated and joint property: default of agreement);

(z1) section 303Z46(2) (continuation of crypto wallet freezing order pending appeal);

(z2) section 303Z47(1) (sections 303Z41 to 303Z45: appeals);

(z3) section 303Z57(7)(b) (detained cryptoassets: detention of proceeds of conversion);

(z4) section 303Z58(6)(b) (frozen crypto wallets: detention of proceeds of conversion);

(z5) section 303Z60(2) (forfeiture of converted cryptoassets);

(z6) section 303Z61(1) (appeal against decision under section 303Z60).]

Textual Amendments

F22 Word in s. 312(2)(c) substituted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for S. for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for E.W.N.I. in so far as not already in force, 7.11.2024 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 9 para. 6(7)(a); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii); S.I. 2024/1108, reg. 2

F23 S. 312(2)(k)-(p) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 35; S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(b)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(g)

F24 S. 312(2)(q)-(z6) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for S. for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for E.W.N.I. in so far as not already in force, 7.11.2024 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 9 para. 6(7)(b); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii); S.I. 2024/1108, reg. 2

Commencement Information

I1 S. 312 in force at 24.2.2003 by S.I. 2003/120, art. 2, Sch. (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (20.2.2003) by S.I. 2003/333, art. 14)

F25 313 Restriction on performance of Director’s functions by police U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 313 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 90, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Commencement Information

I2 S. 313 in force at 24.2.2003 by S.I. 2003/120, art. 2, Sch. (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (20.2.2003) by S.I. 2003/333, art. 14)

Interpretation U.K.

314 Obtaining and disposing of property U.K.

(1) References to a person disposing of his property include a reference—

(a) to his disposing of a part of it, or

(b) to his granting an interest in it,

(or to both); and references to the property disposed of are to any property obtained on the disposal.

(2) A person who makes a payment to another is to be treated as making a disposal of his property to the other, whatever form the payment takes.

(3) Where a person’s property passes to another under a will or intestacy or by operation of law, it is to be treated as disposed of by him to the other.

(4) A person is only to be treated as having obtained his property for value in a case where he gave unexecuted consideration if the consideration has become executed consideration.

315 Northern Ireland courts U.K.

In relation to the practice and procedure of courts in Northern Ireland, expressions used in this Part are to be read in accordance with rules of court.

316 General interpretation U.K.

(1) In this Part—

• [F26 “account forfeiture notice” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z9(3),]

• [F26 “account freezing order” (in Chapter 3B) account forfeiture notice ” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z1(3)(a),]

• “associated property” [F27 (in Chapter 2)] has the meaning given by section 245,

• [F26 “bank” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z7,]

• [F26 “building society” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z1(6),]

• “cash” has the meaning given by section 289(6) or (7),

• “constable”, in relation to Northern Ireland, means a police officer within the meaning of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32),

• “country” includes territory,

• “the court” (except in sections 253(2) and (3) and 262(2) and (3) and [F28 Chapters 3, 3A [F29 and 3B] [F29 , 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E and 3F]] ) means the High Court or (in relation to proceedings in Scotland) the Court of Session,

• [F30 “cryptoasset” has the meaning given by section 303Z20;]

• [F30 “crypto wallet” has the meaning given by section 303Z20;]

• “dealing” with property includes disposing of it, taking possession of it or removing it from the United Kingdom,

• [F31 “the Department of Justice” means the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland;]

• [F32 “electronic money institution” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z1(6),]

• “enforcement authority”—

  (a)

  [F33 in relation to England and Wales, means [F34 the Financial Conduct Authority,] [F35 Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs,] [F36 the National Crime Agency], the Director of Public Prosecutions F37 ... or the Director of the Serious Fraud Office,]

  (b)

  in relation to Scotland, means the Scottish Ministers,

  (c)

  [F38 in relation to Northern Ireland, means [F39 the Financial Conduct Authority,] [F40 Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs,] [F36 the National Crime Agency], the Director of the Serious Fraud Office or the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland,]

• [F26 “enforcement officer” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z1(6),]

• “excepted joint owner” has the meaning given by section 270(4),

• “interest”, in relation to land—

  (a)

  in the case of land in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, means any legal estate and any equitable interest or power,

  (b)

  in the case of land in Scotland, means any estate, interest, servitude or other heritable right in or over land, including a heritable security,

• “interest”, in relation to property other than land, includes any right (including a right to possession of the property),

• “interim administration order” has the meaning given by section 256(2),

• “interim receiving order” has the meaning given by section 246(2),

• [F30 “justice of the peace”, in relation to Northern Ireland, means lay magistrate;]

• [F26 “listed asset” (in Chapter 3A) has the meaning given by section 303B,]

• “the minimum amount” (in Chapter 3) has the meaning given by section 303,

• [F26 “the minimum amount” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z8]

• [F26 “the minimum value” (in Chapter 3A) has the meaning given by section 303Y,

• “part”, in relation to property, includes a portion,

• [F32 “payment institution” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z1(6),]

• [F41 “PPO receiver” has the meaning given by section 255G(2);]

• “premises” has the same meaning as in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60),

• [F42 “prohibitory property order” has the meaning given by section 255A(2);

• “property freezing order” has the meaning given by section 245A(2);]

• “property obtained through unlawful conduct” has the meaning given by section 242,

• “recoverable property” is to be read in accordance with sections 304 to 310,

• “recovery order” means an order made under section 266,

• [F26 “relevant court” has the meaning given by section 303Z1(6),]

• [F32 “relevant financial institution” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z1[F43 (6)],]

• [F26 “relevant officer” (in Chapter 3A) has the meaning given by section 303C(9),]

• “respondent” means—

  (a)

  where proceedings are brought by the enforcement authority by virtue of Chapter 2, the person against whom the proceedings are brought,

  (b)

  where no such proceedings have been brought but the enforcement authority has applied for [F44 a property freezing order, an interim receiving order, a prohibitory property order or an] interim administration order, the person against whom he intends to bring such proceedings,

• [F26 “senior officer” (in Chapter 3B) has the meaning given by section 303Z2(4),]

• “share”, in relation to an excepted joint owner, has the meaning given by section 270(4),

• “unlawful conduct” has the meaning given by section 241,

• “value” means market value.

(2) The following provisions apply for the purposes of this Part.

(3) For the purpose of deciding whether or not property was recoverable at any time (including times before commencement), it is to be assumed that this Part was in force at that and any other relevant time.

(4) Property is all property wherever situated and includes—

(a) money,

(b) all forms of property, real or personal, heritable or moveable,

(c) things in action and other intangible or incorporeal property.

(5) Any reference to a person’s property (whether expressed as a reference to the property he holds or otherwise) is to be read as follows.

(6) In relation to land, it is a reference to any interest which he holds in the land.

(7) In relation to property other than land, it is a reference—

(a) to the property (if it belongs to him), or

(b) to any other interest which he holds in the property.

(8) References to the satisfaction of the enforcement authority’s right to recover property obtained through unlawful conduct are to be read in accordance with section 279.

[F45 (8A) In relation to an order in England and Wales or Northern Ireland which is a recovery order, a property freezing order, an interim receiving order or an order under section 276, references to the enforcement authority are, unless the context otherwise requires, references to the enforcement authority which is seeking, or (as the case may be) has obtained, the order.]

[F46 (8B) An enforcement authority in relation to [F47 a part of the United Kingdom] may take proceedings there for an order under Chapter 2 of this Part in respect of any property or person, whether or not the property or person is (or is domiciled, resident or present) in that part of the United Kingdom.]

(9) Proceedings against any person for an offence are concluded when—

(a) the person is convicted or acquitted,

(b) the prosecution is discontinued or, in Scotland, the trial diet is deserted simpliciter, or

(c) the jury is discharged without a finding [F48 otherwise than in circumstances where the proceedings are continued without a jury].

[F49 (10) References (in Chapter 3B) to an account being operated by or for a person are to be read in accordance with section 303Z1(3)(b).]]

Textual Amendments

F26 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 36(2)(c); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(g)

F27 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 36(2)(a); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(g)

F28 Words in s. 316(1) substituted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 36(2)(b); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(g)

F29 Words in s. 316(1) substituted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for S. for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for E.W.N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 9 para. 7(a); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii)

F30 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for S. for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for E.W.N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 9 para. 7(b); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii)

F31 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 14 para. 65 (with arts. 28-31)

F32 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (27.4.2017 (retrospective except as it extends to N.I.), 28.6.2021 for N.I.) by Financial Services Act 2021 (c. 22), s. 33(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 21 (with s. 33(4)); S.I. 2021/739, reg. 2

F33 Words in s. 316(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 91(2)(a); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F34 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 20(2)(a), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(f); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(i)

F35 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 19(2)(a), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(f); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(i)

F36 Words in s. 316(1) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 121; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F37 Words in s. 316(1) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 25

F38 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 91(2)(b); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F39 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 20(2)(b), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(f); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(i)

F40 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 19(2)(b), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(f); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(i)

F41 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 54; S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iv)

F42 Words in s. 316(1) inserted (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8), Sch. 6 para. 22(2); S.I. 2005/3136, art. 3(c)

F43 Word in s. 316(1) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 59(2), 208(5)(h)

F44 Words in s. 316(1) substituted (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8), Sch. 6 para. 22(3); S.I. 2005/3136, art. 3(c)

F45 S. 316(8A) inserted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 91(3); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F46 S. 316(8B) inserted (E.W.S.) (retrospectively) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 48(5)(7), 61(11)(c) (with s. 48(8), Sch. 25); this insertion extended to N.I. (20.3.2015) by The Crime and Courts Act 2013 (National Crime Agency and Proceeds of Crime) (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/798), arts. 1(2), 7(a)

F47 Words in s. 316(8B) substituted (retrospective to 20.3.2015) by The Crime and Courts Act 2013 (National Crime Agency and Proceeds of Crime) (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/798), arts. 1(2), 8(7)

F48 Words in s. 316(9)(c) inserted (24.7.2006 for E.W., 8.1.2007 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 36 para. 78; S.I. 2006/1835, art. 2(h), S.I. 2006/3422, art. 2(1)(c)

F49 S. 316(10) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 36(3); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(g)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 316(8B): power to modify conferred (25.4.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(11)(f), Sch. 25 para. 4(2)(f)