NLJ this week: Section 303Z17A & the potential for recovery of ill-gotten gains

The ‘pithily named’ section 303Z17A is inserted into the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, permitting, ‘for the first time, victims and true owners to seek the release of their funds which have been made the subject of account freezing and forfeiture’.

Yeo and Dowding take an in-depth look at section 303Z17A, highlighting its scope, application and potential. They note the increasing role of the magistrates’ courts in account freezing and forfeiture proceedings. They explain when section 303Z17A will apply and how an application may be made. However, they also note potential difficulties and complexities that may arise.