An evaluation of the recovery of criminal proceeds in the United Kingdom

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore how effective the four mechanisms of UK criminal asset recovery are – confiscation, cash forfeiture, civil recovery and taxation – and whether they, or their application, might be enhanced. Design/methodology/approach - The paper draws on both the author's own practical experience of involvement in criminal asset recovery in the UK, and other published material in the field. Findings - While an increasing amount is being recovered from criminals by the various agencies involved in the recovery of criminal assets, there is clearly more that can be achieved with the tools provided. In order to do so, there requires to be change at a number of levels, including legislative, structural and cultural. Practical implications - The paper identifies a number of challenges, which need to be met if asset forfeiture is to fulfil its potential to reduce crime. Originality/value - The paper combines a strategic overview as to whether the mechanisms of asset recovery are accomplishing what they are designed to do with a practitioner's grasp of what is occurring at a practical level.