Cash Detention & Seizures

Cash Detention Orders & Cash Seized By Police

Since 2002, UK law has granted police officers and customs officials the authority to seize cash exceeding £1,000 if they hold a reasonable suspicion that the money is intended for use in unlawful activities or if they suspect that its origin lies in illegal conduct. This legislation empowers authorities to intervene when there are grounds to believe that significant sums of cash are linked to crime, either as the intended means for future illicit acts or as the proceeds of past criminal endeavours. This power is a key tool in combating various forms of illegal activity, from drug trafficking and fraud to terrorism financing and money laundering, by allowing for the disruption and potential forfeiture of funds suspected to be connected to such offences.

Facing cash seizure proceedings can be an undoubtedly stressful and confusing ordeal. Often, individuals in this situation are uncertain about the extent of the authorities’ powers and the correct legal avenues available to challenge the seizure of their funds. This lack of clarity can exacerbate the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the process.

What to do if your cash is seized by police or other authorities?

If you are subject to a cash seizure under POCA, it is essential that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to give yourself the strongest chance of successfully challenging the detention of your money.

As a specialist in financial crime law, I offer expert legal representation across all accusations, providing the strongest possible defense for individuals facing confiscation proceedings. My expertise extends to vigorously challenging the seizure of cash and diligently working to help you retain your valuable assets.

The legal framework surrounding the recovery of alleged proceeds of crime can be exceptionally stringent and is often rigorously enforced. However, you can be confident in my proven skills, in-depth knowledge, and unwavering determination to develop a highly effective and strategic defence on your behalf. Do not hesitate to call me today to discuss how we can assist you in navigating these complex legal challenges and protecting your financial interests.

Legal Representation for Cash Seizures & Financial Crime

You can instruct Tanveer Qureshi directly without the need for a solicitor. This can be one way of helping to manage legal representation costs. In some cases, after speaking with you, we may recommend that your defence needs are best accommodated by instructing Tanveer via a solicitor. We will be able to explain the most cost-effective and practical strategy after reviewing your case details.

Instructing a barrister directly is called ‘direct access’, as you can come directly to a barrister for legal representation. There are many benefits to this approach and to find out more, please visit our direct access page.

Telephone Discussion

To discuss your circumstances and for a quote for legal representation, please contact us on 020 7036 0200. Alternatively, you can use the contact form or WhatsApp link for urgent legal advice. To book an appointment for a discussion, you can also email Tanveer directly on tanveer@tqlegal.co.uk and he will get back to you as soon as possible.

What is the law in respect of cash seizures?

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) gives authorities such as the police and customs officials the power to seize sums of cash of £1,000 or more, in any currency, cheques or bonds, if they have grounds for suspecting that it has come from, or is intended to be used to commit a crime. It is regularly the case that cash seizures are made following a raid by police on an individual’s home or business premises.

Once this cash has been seized it can then be detained for a period of up to 48 hours, after which the Magistrates’ Court is required to be satisfied that the grounds for suspicion are reasonable. If the Court decides that the seizure is reasonable and that the continued detention of the money is justified for the purpose of completing investigations into its source and intended use, the cash will continue to be held by the authorities.

Dependent upon the outcome of an investigation following a cash seizure, an application may subsequently be made by prosecutors for forfeiture under POCA.

How can cash seizures be challenged?

Often, clients seek to challenge a cash seizure by demonstrating that the funds originated from a legitimate source. Alternatively, they may assert their rightful ownership of cash that has been seized from another individual or associated property. If an individual can successfully prove that the money was neither obtained through illegal means nor intended for criminal activity, its recovery is possible. With my extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of alleged financial crimes, I possess the expertise necessary to effectively guide you through this process and maximise your chances of recovering any seized cash.

If you need any further help and advice regarding cash seizures please contact me via my mobile or on the enquiry page via my website. I have a wealth of experience dealing with the prosecution, defence and investigations into all aspects of financial crime.

Why instruct TQ Legal?We understand how to deal with the authorities in challenging cash seizures and Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) matters.

Tanveer has an enviable reputation for successfully representing clients in complex and serious matters and will protect your interests from the outset.

Reputation & Media

Tanveer has often been featured in the media, including the BBC, The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Independent to name but a few.

Having represented individuals, company directors and businesses for almost 20 years in serious legal matters, he has earned a reputation for delivering successful outcomes for clients often in difficult circumstances and against the odds.

He has also been highly recommended in prominent legal directories such as The Legal 500 with feedback including such quotes as, “He, in my opinion, is a master tactician and grasps the most pertinent aspects of a case immediately”.

How to make contact We can support you wherever you are based and understand that you will want urgent legal advice and assistance.

To discuss your circumstances and for a no obligation quote for legal representation, please contact us on 0203 637 2190.

Alternatively, you can use the contact form or WhatsApp link for urgent legal advice. To book an appointment for a discussion you can also email Tanveer directly on TQureshi@libertaschambers.com and he’ll get back to as soon as possible.