POCA Core Powers - The Latest on Restraint, Confiscation & Forfeiture

Introduction

£345.3 million was recovered through confiscation, forfeiture and civil recovery in the year ending March 2026.

Despite being over 20 years old, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) remains central to the recovery of criminal property. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 seeks to strengthen the regime, improve enforcement and expedite proceedings.

This webinar explores the core POCA powers, alongside key statutory, case law and practical developments in this evolving area.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Restraint
• Legal requirements
• Procedure
• Key issues: variation, discharge and contempt
• Recent developments
• Confiscation
• Core concepts: benefit, recoverable amount and criminal lifestyle
• Procedure
• Key issues: third-party rights, compensation, enforcement, inadequacy and reconsideration
• Recent developments
• Account Freezing and Forfeiture
• Legal test and burden of proof
• Procedure
• Key issues: expenses, legal fees, third-party rights and costs
• Recent developments