Asset Forfeiture and Confiscation (POCA) Defence Solicitors

If you or your business are facing action under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), the consequences can be swift and severe. From frozen bank accounts to the confiscation of valuable assets, POCA proceedings can disrupt your finances, your business, and your reputation overnight.

DBT & Partners, have gained a reputation amongst domestic and international clients facing POCA proceedings. We are recognised amongst our peers as a leading law firm with an established following in this field.

We are regularly recommended by law firms, accountants and businesses to act for clients facing POCA proceedings whether in the Magistrates Court, Crown Court and more often in the High Court.

Our highly experienced POCA specialist solicitors have decades of experience defending clients in high-value and complex asset recovery cases.

Many of POCA cases have gained press and academic attention by being involved in some of the most novel and complex cases in this area of law.

We act quickly, strategically, and with discretion to protect your position — and to give you the best possible chance of securing a favourable outcome.

Why Have My Assets Been Restrained, Seized, Frozen or Confiscated ?

Under POCA, the authorities can restrain, freeze or confiscate assets if they believe they are the proceeds of criminal conduct — even if no criminal conviction has yet been secured.

Common triggers and the resulting types of POCA proceedings include:

• Criminal investigations such as fraud, money laundering, drug dealing resulting in a Restraint Order
• Conviction after trial or a guilty plea which results in a Confiscation Order
• Suspicious account activity leading to an Account Freezing Order and resulting in a Forfeiture Order if a law Enforcement Authority/Agency is successful in making their case to a Court.

• Identify property that is alleged to be “recoverable property” obtained through unlawful conduct on the balance of probabilities (the civil standard of proof) that the assets are the proceeds of crime resulting in a Civil Recovery Order.

• Person’s income is insufficient for them to possess property leading to a Unexplained Wealth Order, such a person either being a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) or a person suspected of serious crime or someone who is connected to a person suspected of serious crime

Our expert Proceeds of Crime Solicitors understand that such action can come as a shock, often with little warning. We work urgently to challenge unlawful restraint orders, negotiate with investigators, and protect your legal and financial rights from day one.

Your Rights in POCA Proceedings

Being subject to POCA action does not mean the case is over. You have important legal rights, including the ability to:

• Challenge the basis of a restraint order
• Seek the release of funds for living or business expenses
• Contest the valuation and scope of alleged criminal benefit
• Appeal confiscation orders and negotiate settlements
• Challenge/identify flaws to Unexplained Wealth Order accusations
• Challenge Account Freezing Order accusations
• Challenge Civil Recovery/ Part 5 POCA accusations of unlawful activity

Without specialist representation, you risk losing more than the law requires. Our POCA defence solicitors ensure every aspect of the prosecution’s case is scrutinised — from the original financial investigation to the final calculation of any alleged benefit.

How We Can Help

DBT & Partners offers a complete POCA defence service, covering every stage of the process:

• Early Intervention – acting before charges are brought to limit the scope of any restraint order
• Challenging Restraint Orders – applying to vary or discharge orders to access essential funds
• Defending Confiscation Proceedings – challenging benefit figures, hidden asset allegations, and the prosecution’s evidence
• Appeals and Settlements – seeking to overturn unjust orders or negotiate pragmatic resolutions

We frequently act for:

• Company directors and professionals facing parallel criminal and regulatory investigations
• Businesses under suspicion of large-scale fraud or money laundering
• Individuals accused of possessing unexplained wealth
• Third parties whose assets are caught up in POCA action

A Team Trusted in High-Value Cases

Our lawyers are recognised for their expertise in complex financial crime, corporate defence work and POCA cases involving International Dimensions. We regularly act in cases involving multi-million-pound restraint orders, cross-border investigations, and allegations of sophisticated money laundering networks.

Our approach is strategic and evidence-led. We work alongside leading barristers, forensic accountants, and investigators to dismantle the prosecution’s case and secure the best possible result for our clients.

Related Expertise

We provide integrated advice across related areas, including:

• Money Laundering
• Fraud
• Bribery & Corruption
• Theft
• Intellectual Property Crimes
• Confiscation & Asset Seizure
• Criminal Investigations

You may also find these services helpful:

• Tax Services
• Business Litigation
• Business Investigations

Contact Our Asset Forfeiture & POCA Solicitors Today

If you or your business are facing POCA cash or asset seizure, every hour matters. Acting quickly can be the difference between preserving your assets and losing them for good.

Speak to our POCA specialist solicitors today for confidential, expert advice. Call us now or complete our online enquiry form for an immediate response.

DBT & Partners, trusted advisers in POCA defence.