Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Search and seizure warrants E+W+N.I.

352 Search and seizure warrants E+W+N.I.

(1) A judge may, on an application made to him by an appropriate officer, issue a search and seizure warrant if he is satisfied that either of the requirements for the issuing of the warrant is fulfilled.

(2) The application for a search and seizure warrant must state that—

(a) a person specified in the application is subject to a confiscation investigation [F1 , a civil recovery investigation] [F2 , an exploitation proceeds investigation] or a money laundering investigation, or

(b) property specified in the application is subject to a civil recovery investigation [F3 , a detained cash investigation, a detained property investigation [F4 , a frozen funds investigation or a cryptoasset investigation]].

(3) The application must also state—

(a) that the warrant is sought for the purposes of the investigation;

(b) that the warrant is sought in relation to the premises specified in the application;

(c) that the warrant is sought in relation to material specified in the application, or that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is material falling within section 353(6), (7) [F5 , (7A), (7B)] or (8) on the premises.

(4) A search and seizure warrant is a warrant authorising an appropriate person—

(a) to enter and search the premises specified in the application for the warrant, and

(b) to seize and retain any material found there which is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the application is made.

(5) An appropriate person is—

F6 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) [F7 a Financial Conduct Authority officer,] a [F8 [F9 National Crime Agency officer [F10 , an officer of Revenue and Customs] or a member] of the staff of the relevant Director], if the warrant is sought for the purposes of a civil recovery investigation.

[F11 (c) a constable [F12 an SFO officer,] [F13 , an accredited financial investigator] or an officer of Revenue and Customs [F14 or an immigration officer], if the warrant is sought for the purposes of a detained cash investigation [F15 , a confiscation investigation or a money laundering investigation].]

[F16 (ca) a constable, an SFO officer, an accredited financial investigator or an officer of Revenue and Customs, if the warrant is sought for the purposes of a detained property investigation;

(cb) a constable, an SFO officer, an accredited financial investigator or an officer of Revenue and Customs, if the warrant is sought for the purposes of a frozen funds investigation;]

[F17 (d) a [F18 National Crime Agency officer], if the warrant is sought for the purposes of an exploitation proceeds investigation.]

[F19 (5A) In this Part “relevant Director”—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, means the Director of Public Prosecutions F20 ... or the Director of the Serious Fraud Office; and

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, means the Director of the Serious Fraud Office or the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.]

(6) The requirements for the issue of a search and seizure warrant are—

(a) that a production order made in relation to material has not been complied with and there are reasonable grounds for believing that the material is on the premises specified in the application for the warrant, or

(b) that section 353 is satisfied in relation to the warrant.

[F21 (7) The reference in [F22 paragraph F23 ... (c)] [F22 paragraphs (c), (ca) and (cb)] of subsection (5) to an accredited financial investigator is a reference to an accredited financial investigator who falls within a description specified in an order made for the purposes of that paragraph by the Secretary of State [F24 or the Welsh Ministers] under section 453.]

[F25 (8) Criminal Procedure Rules may make provision about proceedings under this section on an application to a judge entitled to exercise the jurisdiction of the Crown Court in England and Wales.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 352(2)(a) inserted (1.6.2015 for E.W. for specified purposes, 1.2.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 19 para. 6; S.I. 2015/964, art. 2(d) (with art. 3); S.I. 2017/4, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F2 Words in s. 352(2)(a) inserted (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 19 para. 10(a) (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. para. 18

F3 Words in s. 352(2)(b) 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. 47(2); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F4 Words in s. 352(2)(b) 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. 8(9); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii)

F5 Words in s. 352(3)(c) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 7(2); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(d)(ii)

F6 S. 352(5)(a) omitted (17.7.2013) by virtue of Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 48 para. 12(2)(a)

F7 Words in s. 352(5)(b) 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. 47(3)(a); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F8 Words in s. 352(5)(b) substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 105(2); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F9 Words in s. 352(5)(b) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 137(a); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F10 Words in s. 352(5)(b) 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. 47(3)(b); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F11 S. 352(5)(c) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 7(3); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(d)(ii)

F12 Words in s. 352(5)(c) 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. 47(3)(c); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F13 Words in s. 352(5)(c) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 80(1)(b), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(g)

F14 Words in s. 352(5)(c) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 31(b) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(k)

F15 Words in s. 352(5)(c) inserted (17.7.2013) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 48 para. 12(2)(b)

F16 S. 352(5)(ca)(cb) 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. 47(3)(d); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F17 S. 352(5)(d) added (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 19 para. 10(b) (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. para. 18

F18 Words in s. 352(5)(d) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 137(b); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F19 S. 352(5A) inserted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 105(3); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F20 Words in s. 352(5A)(a) 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. 26

F21 S. 352(7) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 80(2), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(g)

F22 Words in s. 352(7) 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. 47(4); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F23 Words in s. 352(7) omitted (17.7.2013) by virtue of Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 48 para. 12(3)

F24 Words in s. 352(7) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2018) by The Tax Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/285), regs. 1(2), 5(f)

F25 S. 352(8) inserted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 82(6), 115(7); S.I. 2015/994, art. 6(o)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 352(4) modified (1.4.2003) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigations in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/425), arts. 1, 5(2), 15(2), 25(2), 26(2)

C2 S. 352(5) modified (1.4.2003) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigations in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/425), arts. 1, 5(3)(4), 15(3)(4), 25(3)(4), 26(3)(4) (as amended (6.4.2008) by S.I. 2008/298, arts. 1(2), 2(3)(6))

C3 S. 352(5)(c) modified (E.W.) (1.4.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/196), arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. para. 4

C4 S. 352(5)(ca)(cb) modified by S.I. 2018/196, Sch. para. 4 (as amended (E.W.) (20.7.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) (Amendment) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/767), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(c))

Commencement Information

I1 S. 352 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)

353 Requirements where production order not available E+W+N.I.

(1) This section is satisfied in relation to a search and seizure warrant if—

(a) subsection (2) applies, and

(b) either the first or the second set of conditions is complied with.

(2) This subsection applies if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that—

(a) in the case of a confiscation investigation, the person specified in the application for the warrant has benefited from his criminal conduct;

[F26 (b) in the case of a civil recovery investigation—

(i) the person specified in the application for the warrant holds recoverable property or associated property,

(ii) that person has, at any time, held property that was recoverable property or associated property at the time, or

(iii) the property specified in the application for the warrant is recoverable property or associated property;]

[F27 (ba) in the case of a detained cash investigation into the derivation of cash, the property specified in the application for the warrant, or a part of it, is recoverable property;

(bb) in the case of a detained cash investigation into the intended use of cash, the property specified in the application for the warrant, or a part of it, is intended by any person to be used in unlawful conduct;]

[F28 (bc) in the case of a detained property investigation into the derivation of property, the property specified in the application for the warrant, or a part of it, is recoverable property;

(bd) in the case of a detained property investigation into the intended use of property, the property specified in the application for the warrant, or a part of it, is intended by any person to be used in unlawful conduct;

(be) in the case of a frozen funds investigation into the derivation of money held in an account in relation to which an account freezing order made under section 303Z3 has effect (a “frozen account”), the property specified in the application for the warrant, or a part of it, is recoverable property;

(bf) in the case of a frozen funds investigation into the intended use of money held in a frozen account, the property specified in the application for the warrant, or a part of it, is intended by any person to be used in unlawful conduct;]

[F29 (bg) in the case of a cryptoasset investigation into the derivation of cryptoassets, the cryptoassets specfied in the application for the warrant (or, if the cryptoassets have been converted into money in accordance with Chapter 3F of Part 5, the converted cryptoassets) are recoverable property;

(bh) in the case of a cryptoasset investigation into the intended use of cryptoassets, the cryptoassets specified in the application for the warrant (or, if the cryptoassets have been converted into money in accordance with Chapter 3F of Part 5, the converted cryptoassets) are intended by any person to be used in unlawful conduct.]

(c) in the case of a money laundering investigation, the person specified in the application for the warrant has committed a money laundering offence.

[F30 (d) in the case of an exploitation proceeds investigation, the person specified in the application for the warrant is within section 346(2A).]

(3) The first set of conditions is that there are reasonable grounds for believing that—

(a) any material on the premises specified in the application for the warrant is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought,

(b) it is in the public interest for the material to be obtained, having regard to the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation if the material is obtained, and

(c) it would not be appropriate to make a production order for any one or more of the reasons in subsection (4).

(4) The reasons are—

(a) that it is not practicable to communicate with any person against whom the production order could be made;

(b) that it is not practicable to communicate with any person who would be required to comply with an order to grant entry to the premises;

(c) that the investigation might be seriously prejudiced unless an appropriate person is able to secure immediate access to the material.

(5) The second set of conditions is that—

(a) there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is material on the premises specified in the application for the warrant and that the material falls within subsection (6), (7) [F31 , (7A), (7B)] [F32 , (7C), (7D), (7E), (7F)] [F33 , (8) or (8A)],

(b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that it is in the public interest for the material to be obtained, having regard to the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation if the material is obtained, and

(c) any one or more of the requirements in subsection (9) is met.

(6) In the case of a confiscation investigation, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the person specified in the application, the question whether he has benefited from his criminal conduct [F34 or of realisable property available for satisfying a confiscation order made in respect of him] or any question as to the extent or whereabouts of his benefit from his criminal conduct, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.

(7) In the case of a civil recovery investigation, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

[F35 (a) relates to the person or property specified in the application or to any of the questions listed in subsection (7ZA), and]

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.

[F36 (7ZA) Those questions are—

(a) where a person is specified in the application, any question as to—

(i) what property the person holds or has held,

(ii) whether the property is or has been recoverable property or associated property, or

(iii) the nature, extent or whereabouts of the property, and

(b) where property is specified in the application, any question as to—

(i) whether the property is or has been recoverable property or associated property,

(ii) who holds it or has held it,

(iii) whether a person who appears to hold or to have held it holds or has held other property,

(iv) whether the other property is or has been recoverable property or associated property, or

(v) the nature, extent or whereabouts of the specified property or the other property.]

[F37 (7A) In the case of a detained cash investigation into the derivation of cash, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the property specified in the application, the question whether the property, or a part of it, is recoverable property or any other question as to its derivation, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.

(7B) In the case of a detained cash investigation into the intended use of cash, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the property specified in the application or the question whether the property, or a part of it, is intended by any person to be used in unlawful conduct, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.]

[F38 (7C) In the case of a detained property investigation into the derivation of property, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the property specified in the application, the question whether the property, or a part of it, is recoverable property or any other question as to its derivation, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.

(7D) In the case of a detained property investigation into the intended use of property, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the property specified in the application or the question whether the property, or a part of it, is intended by any person to be used in unlawful conduct, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.

(7E) In the case of a frozen funds investigation into the derivation of money held in a frozen account, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the property specified in the application, the question whether the property, or a part of it, is recoverable property or any other question as to its derivation, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.

(7F) In the case of a frozen funds investigation into the intended use of money held in a frozen account, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the property specified in the application or the question whether the property, or a part of it, is intended by any person to be used in unlawful conduct, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.]

(8) In the case of a money laundering investigation, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the person specified in the application or the question whether he has committed a money laundering offence, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.

[F39 (8A) In the case of an exploitation proceeds investigation, material falls within this subsection if it cannot be identified at the time of the application but it—

(a) relates to the person specified in the application, the question whether exploitation proceeds have been obtained from a relevant offence in relation to that person, any question as to the extent or whereabouts of any benefit as a result of which exploitation proceeds are obtained or any question about the person's available amount, and

(b) is likely to be of substantial value (whether or not by itself) to the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant is sought.

This subsection is to be construed in accordance with Part 7 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (criminal memoirs etc).]

(9) The requirements are—

(a) that it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises;

(b) that entry to the premises will not be granted unless a warrant is produced;

(c) that the investigation might be seriously prejudiced unless an appropriate person arriving at the premises is able to secure immediate entry to them.

(10) An appropriate person is—

F40 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) [F41 a Financial Conduct Authority officer,] a [F42 National Crime Agency officer [F43 , an officer of Revenue and Customs] or a member] [F44 of the staff of the relevant Director], if the warrant is sought for the purposes of a civil recovery investigation.

[F45 (c) a constable, [F46 an SFO officer,] [F47 an accredited financial] [F48 investigator,] an officer of Revenue and Customs [F49 or an immigration officer], if the warrant is sought for the purposes of a detained cash investigation [F50 , a confiscation investigation or a money laundering investigation].]

[F51 (ca) a constable, an SFO officer, an accredited financial investigator or an officer of Revenue and Customs, if the warrant is sought for the purposes of a detained property investigation;

(cb) a constable, an SFO officer, an accredited financial investigator or an officer of Revenue and Customs, if the warrant is sought for the purposes of a frozen funds investigation;]

[F52 (d) a [F53 National Crime Agency officer], if the warrant is sought for the purposes of an exploitation proceeds investigation.]

[F54 (11) The reference in [F55 paragraphs (c), (ca) and (cb)] of subsection (10) to an accredited financial investigator is a reference to an accredited financial investigator who falls within a description specified in an order made for the purposes of that paragraph by the Secretary of State [F56 or the Welsh Ministers] under section 453.]

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 353(2)(b) substituted (1.6.2015 for E.W., 1.2.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 19 para. 7(2); S.I. 2015/964, art. 2(d) (with art. 3); S.I. 2017/4, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F27 S. 353(2)(ba)(bb) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 76(2), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(b)

F28 S. 353(2)(bc)-(bf) 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. 48(2); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F29 S. 353(2)(bg)(bh) 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. 8(10); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii)

F30 S. 353(2)(d) inserted (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 19 para. 11(a) (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. para. 18

F31 Words in s. 353(5)(a) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 8(2); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(d)(ii)

F32 Words in s. 353(5)(a) 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. 48(3); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F33 Words in s. 353(5)(a) substituted (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 19 para. 11(b) (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. para. 18

F34 Words in s. 353(6)(a) inserted (1.3.2016) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 38(2), 88(1); S.I. 2016/148, reg. 3(c)

F35 S. 353(7)(a) substituted (1.6.2015 for E.W., 1.2.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 19 para. 7(3); S.I. 2015/964, art. 2(d) (with art. 3); S.I. 2017/4, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F36 S. 353(7ZA) inserted (1.6.2015 for E.W., 1.2.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 19 para. 7(4); S.I. 2015/964, art. 2(d) (with art. 3); S.I. 2017/4, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F37 S. 353(7A)(7B) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 76(3), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(b)

F38 S. 353(7C)-(7F) 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. 48(4); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F39 S. 353(8A) inserted (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 19 para. 11(c) (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. para. 18

F40 S. 353(10)(a) omitted (17.7.2013) by virtue of Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 48 para. 13(2)(a)

F41 Words in s. 353(10)(b) 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. 48(5)(a); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F42 Words in s. 353(10)(b) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 138(a); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F43 Words in s. 353(10)(b) 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. 48(5)(b); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F44 Words in s. 353(10)(b) substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 106; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F45 S. 353(10)(c) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 8(3); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(d)(ii)

F46 Words in s. 353(10)(c) 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. 48(5)(c); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F47 Words in s. 353(10)(c) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 80(3)(b), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(g)

F48 Word in s. 353(10)(c) substituted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 32(b)(i) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(k)

F49 Words in s. 353(10)(c) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 32(b)(ii) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(k)

F50 Words in s. 353(10)(c) inserted (17.7.2013) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 48 para. 13(2)(b)

F51 S. 353(10)(ca)(cb) 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. 48(5)(d); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F52 S. 353(10)(d) added (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 19 para. 11(d) (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. para. 18

F53 Words in s. 353(10)(d) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 138(b); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F54 S. 353(11) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 80(4), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(g)

F55 Words in s. 353(11) 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. 48(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(a)(i)(ii); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F56 Words in s. 353(11) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2018) by The Tax Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/285), regs. 1(2), 5(g)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 353(10)(c) modified (E.W.) (1.4.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/196), arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. para. 5

C6 S. 353(10)(ca)(cb) modified by S.I. 2018/196, Sch. para. 5 (as amended (E.W.) (20.7.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) (Amendment) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/767), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(d))

Commencement Information

I2 S. 353 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)

354 Further provisions: general E+W+N.I.

(1) A search and seizure warrant does not confer the right to seize privileged material.

(2) Privileged material is any material which a person would be entitled to refuse to produce on grounds of legal professional privilege in proceedings in the High Court.

(3) A search and seizure warrant does not confer the right to seize excluded material.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 354 excluded (1.4.2003) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigations in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/425), arts. 1, 25(5), 26(5)

C8 S. 354 applied (1.4.2003) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigations in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/425), arts. 1, 16(3)

C9 S. 354 excluded (1.4.2003) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigations in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/425), arts. 1, 26(5)

C10 S. 354 applied (1.4.2003) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigations in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/425), arts. 1, 15(5)

C11 S. 354 applied (1.4.2003) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigations in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/425), arts. 1, 5(5), 6(3), 15(5), 16(3)

C12 S. 354 applied (1.4.2003) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigations in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/425), arts. 1, 6(3)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 354 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)

355 Further provisions: confiscation [F57 , money laundering, detained cash, detained property [F58 , frozen funds and cryptoasset] investigations] E+W+N.I.

(1) This section applies to—

(a) search and seizure warrants sought for the purposes of a confiscation investigation [F59 , a money laundering investigation [F60 , a detained cash investigation, a detained property investigation [F61 , a frozen funds investigation or a cryptoasset investigation]]], and

(b) powers of seizure under them.

(2) In relation to such warrants and powers, the Secretary of State may make an order which applies [F62 , in relation to England and Wales,] the provisions to which [F63 subsection (3) applies] subject to any specified modifications.

(3) This subsection applies to the following provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60)—

(a) section 15 (search warrants -safeguards);

(b) section 16 (execution of warrants);

(c) section 21 (access and copying);

(d) section 22 (retention).

[F64 (3A) In relation to such warrants and powers, the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland may make an order which applies, in relation to Northern Ireland, the provisions to which subsection (4) applies subject to any specified modifications.]

(4) This subsection applies to the following provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12))—

(a) Article 17 (search warrants -safeguards);

(b) Article 18 (execution of warrants);

(c) Article 23 (access and copying);

(d) Article 24 (retention).

Textual Amendments

F57 Words in s. 355 heading substituted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 30.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 49(2); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 2(j); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F58 Words in s. 355 heading 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. 8(11)(a); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii)

F59 Words in s. 355(1)(a) substituted (22.11.2014 for specified purposes, 1.6.2015 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 66(6), 116(1); S.I. 2014/3101, art. 3; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a) (with art. 5); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(f) (with art. 5)

F60 Words in s. 355(1)(a) substituted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 30.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 49(3); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 2(j); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F61 Words in s. 355(1)(a) 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. 8(11)(b); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii)

F62 Words in s. 355(2) 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. 66(2)(a) (with arts. 28-31)

F63 Words in s. 355(2) substituted (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. 66(2)(b) (with arts. 28-31)

F64 S. 355(3A) 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. 66(3) (with arts. 28-31)

Commencement Information

I4 S. 355 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)

356 Further provisions: civil recovery F65 ... [F66 and exploitation proceeds investigations] E+W+N.I.

(1) This section applies to search and seizure warrants sought for the purposes of civil recovery investigations [F67 or exploitation proceeds investigations ] F68 ....

(2) An application for a warrant may be made ex parte to a judge in chambers.

(3) A warrant may be issued subject to conditions.

(4) A warrant continues in force until the end of the period of one month starting with the day on which it is issued.

(5) A warrant authorises the person it names to require any information which is held in a computer and is accessible from the premises specified in the application for the warrant, and which the named person believes relates to any matter relevant to the investigation, to be produced in a form—

(a) in which it can be taken away, and

(b) in which it is visible and legible.

F69 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) A warrant may include provision authorising a person who is exercising powers under it to do other things which—

(a) are specified in the warrant, and

(b) need to be done in order to give effect to it.

(8) Copies may be taken of any material seized under a warrant.

(9) Material seized under a warrant may be retained for so long as it is necessary to retain it (as opposed to copies of it) in connection with the investigation for the purposes of which the warrant was issued.

(10) But [F70 if an appropriate officer has reasonable] grounds for believing that—

(a) the material may need to be produced for the purposes of any legal proceedings, and

(b) it might otherwise be unavailable for those purposes,

it may be retained until the proceedings are concluded.

F71 (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F72 (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F65 Words in s. 356 heading repealed (1.6.2015 for E.W., 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 66(7)(a), 116(1), Sch. 8 Pt. 5; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)(g) (with art. 5); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(f)(l) (with art. 5);

F66 Words in s. 356 heading inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 50; S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(1)(e); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(i)

F67 Words in s. 356(1) inserted (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 19 para. 12 (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. para. 18

F68 Words in s. 356(1) repealed (1.6.2015 for E.W., 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 66(7)(b), 116(1), Sch. 8 Pt. 5; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)(g) (with art. 5); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(f)(l) (with art. 5)

F69 S. 356(6) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 107(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F70 Words in s. 356(10) substituted (1.6.2015 for E.W., 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 66(7)(c), 116(1); S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a) (with art. 5); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(f) (with art. 5)

F71 S. 356(11) repealed (1.6.2015 for E.W., 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 66(7)(d), 116(1), Sch. 8 Pt. 5; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)(g) (with art. 5); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(f)(l) (with art. 5)

F72 S. 356(12) repealed (1.6.2015 for E.W., 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 66(7)(d), 116(1), Sch. 8 Pt. 5; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)(g) (with art. 5); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(f)(l) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I5 S. 356 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)

[F73 356A Certain offences in relation to execution of search and seizure warrants E+W+N.I.

(1) A person commits an offence if the person assaults an appropriate person who is acting in the exercise of a power conferred by a search and seizure warrant issued under section 352.

(2) A person commits an offence if the person resists or wilfully obstructs an appropriate person who is acting in the exercise of a power conferred by a search and seizure warrant issued under section 352.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable—

(a) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks, or to a fine, or to both;

(b) on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2) is liable—

(a) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks, or to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, or to both;

(b) on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 month, or to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, or to both.

(5) An appropriate person is—

(a) a National Crime Agency officer, a Financial Conduct Authority officer or a member of the staff of the relevant Director, if the warrant was issued for the purposes of a civil recovery investigation;

(b) a National Crime Agency officer, if the warrant was issued for the purposes of an exploitation proceeds investigation.

(6) In relation to an offence committed before the coming into force of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (alteration of penalties for certain summary offences: England and Wales)—

(a) the reference in subsection (3)(a) to 51 weeks is to be read as a reference to 6 months;

(b) the reference in subsection (4)(a) to 51 weeks is to be read as a reference to 1 month.]

Textual Amendments

F73 S. 356A inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W. for specified purposes, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for E.W. for specified purposes) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 22, 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(g); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(j)(2)(a)