25 September 2006

A FURTHER £55K RECOVERED UNDER THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT

Scottish Ministers have recovered assets worth around £55,000 in a case which concluded at the Court of Session this month. The assets consist of a number of investments and the contents of several bank accounts, all held by Joseph Wark.

Following an investigation of Mr Wark's financial affairs, the Scottish Executive's Civil Recovery Unit argued in Court that the wealth that Mr Wark had accumulated could not be attributed to legitimate sources. The Civil Recovery Unit said that Mr Wark had made significant sums through his involvement over a number of years in drug related crime.

Mr Wark was sentenced in February 2005 to three years' imprisonment following a threat which he made to the interim administrator who had been appointed by the Court to investigate his financial affairs.

Following his release from prison, Mr Wark agreed to settle the civil recovery proceedings.

The Lord Advocate, Lord Boyd of Duncansby QC, has welcomed this latest development in the use of the powers available to Scottish Ministers under the Proceeds of Crime Act, saying:

"This latest success underlines our determination to track down and recover the proceeds of crime. We will continue to make the fullest possible use of the powers which are available to us under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Civil recovery is an extremely effective tool, which is being used to target the assets of people involved at all levels of criminal activity. "

Notes to Editors:

1. The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) came into force early in 2003. POCA makes provision for a civil recovery scheme, whereby the proceeds of unlawful conduct are recoverable, and an enhanced cash forfeiture scheme. The Scottish Ministers institute civil recovery proceedings. The Civil Recovery Unit is responsible for the implementation of civil recovery and cash forfeiture in Scotland. The Lord Advocate is the Scottish Minister responsible for the operation of the Unit.

2. Information on total amounts recovered using POCA legislation is published regularly by the Crown Office. Figures to the end of October 2006 will be announced in early November 2006.

Contact: Communications 0131 247 2701

Internet: www.copfs.gov.uk