£34K recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act
13 November 2006
£34K RECOVERED UNDER THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT
Scottish Ministers have today recovered assets worth £34,000 in a case which concluded at the Court of Session this month. The assets consist of a number of bank accounts, all held by Thomas Brockie from Lochgelly in Fife.
Following an investigation by the Civil Recovery Unit in the Crown Office, it was argued that the money in the accounts that Mr Brockie had accumulated could not be attributed to legitimate sources. It was contended on behalf of Scottish Ministers that Mr Brockie had made significant sums through his involvement over a number of years in drug related crime in the Fife area.
Thomas Brockie did not defend the action.
The Lord Advocate, Elish Angiolini QC said:
"Too often, those who profit from crime are seen because of their comparative wealth as role models in their community. This latest recovery is further proof of our determination to take action against such people whenever we can, and deprive them of the proceeds of their unlawful activity. Even where a prosecution has not taken place, the Proceeds of Crime Act can, and will be used wherever possible to recover criminal assets."
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 September 2006 were announced earlier this month.
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