Asset Forfeiture and Proceeds of Crime

DBT & Partners brings decades of experience to supporting UK businesses, directors, and senior managers facing issues relating to asset forfeiture and the proceeds of crime. Our team of specialist business crime solicitors offers clear, practical advice and robust defence strategies to protect your business, your reputation, and your future.

If your company is dealing with a potential proceeds of crime matter, asset seizure, or related financial investigation, or if you need to understand your obligations under UK law and minimise risk, this page is here to help. Below you’ll find answers to key questions, links to more detailed guidance, and practical steps to safeguard your organisation.

What Is Asset Forfeiture and the Proceeds of Crime?

In the UK, asset forfeiture and proceeds of crime actions are measures used by authorities to restrict, seize, or recover assets suspected to be linked to criminal conduct. These powers are commonly used alongside investigations into alleged fraud, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, or other financial and regulatory offences.

Such action can have serious implications for your company, including frozen bank accounts, disruption to operations, reputational harm, director exposure, and the risk of further enforcement under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA).

How Do Businesses Become Involved in Asset Forfeiture or POCA Investigations?

A business may be drawn into asset restraint or forfeiture proceedings when authorities suspect that funds or property are connected to unlawful activity. Triggers may include:

• Whistleblowers or complaints from competitors
• Suspicious transactions flagged by banks or auditors
• Regulatory inspections uncovering irregularities
• HMRC audits revealing discrepancies

Key UK authorities involved in POCA and asset recovery matters include the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Trading Standards, and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

How DBT & Partners Can Help

We understand how disruptive asset restraints or forfeiture proceedings can be. Our experienced business crime solicitors act quickly to protect your position and guide you through every step of the process.

We can:

• Pre-charge representations (Link to pre-charge representations article)
• Advise you on your rights and responsibilities under UK law
• Manage communications with investigators and regulatory bodies
• Support you during searches, interviews, and document requests
• Build strong defence strategies tailored to POCA and asset recovery issues
• Work to protect your commercial interests, assets, and reputation

DBT & Partners has successfully represented businesses of all sizes, across many industries, achieving positive outcomes even in the most challenging situations.

Explore Our Expertise

This is just an introduction. We also provide detailed guidance on specific areas linked to asset forfeiture and proceeds of crime, including:

Restraint Orders 

Asset Freezing Orders

Search Warrants

Money Laundering Defences

We encourage you to explore these pages to find the specific advice you need, and to see how our corporate defence solicitors can support you.

You may also find these services helpful:

Tax Services

Business Litigation

Business Investigations

Speak to Our Business Crime Solicitors Today

If your business is under investigation, or you want to understand and mitigate your risks, get in touch. Our specialist corporate criminal investigations solicitors are here to help with clear, strategic advice tailored to your circumstances.

Call us today or complete our online enquiry form to speak with one of our team.

DBT & Partners,  trusted advisers in UK corporate criminal law.