Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

[F1 2A Contribution to the reduction of crime U.K.

(1) A relevant authority must exercise its functions under this Act in the way which it considers is best calculated to contribute to the reduction of crime.

(2) In this section “a relevant authority” means—

(a) [F2 the National Crime Agency],

(b) the Director of Public Prosecutions,

(c) the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland,

(d) the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions, or

(e) the Director of the Serious Fraud Office.

(3) In considering under subsection (1) the way which is best calculated to contribute to the reduction of crime a relevant authority must have regard to any guidance given to it by—

(a) in the case of [F3 the National Crime Agency], the Secretary of State,

(b) in the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions or the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, the Attorney General, and

(c) in the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, the Advocate General for Northern Ireland.

(4) The guidance must indicate that the reduction of crime is in general best secured by means of criminal investigations and criminal proceedings.

(5) The reference in this section to the Advocate General for Northern Ireland is to be read, before the coming into force of section 27(1) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 26), as a reference to the Attorney General for Northern Ireland.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 2A-2C inserted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 124; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F2 Words in s. 2A(2)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 109; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F3 Words in s. 2A(3)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 109; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)