To ask Her Majesty's Government what proposals they have regarding the process of seizing assets funded by crime. [HL2374]

The seizure of assets that are the proceeds of crime is a key priority for the Government. Over £500 million of assets have been recovered since the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 came into force. We are giving the police and other bodies new powers in the Policing and Crime Bill to enable them to seize and detain property at the earliest opportunity, subject to judicial oversight, to prevent criminals trying to hide it or otherwise dispose of it in anticipation of a confiscation order. We are also giving the authorities powers to sell seized property to satisfy a confiscation order.

These new measures will help to further disrupt criminal activity and improve enforcement of confiscation orders.