WEST Midlands Police has recovered more than £3million of ‘dirty money’ in 2024.
Financial investigators helped to recover the cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) which means crooks cannot benefit from any illegal earnings in the future.
The force presented strong evidence at court to help obtain more than 175 confiscation or forfeiture orders during 2024.
Skilled investigators can often show how crooks have benefitted from their crimes; which can be in terms of cash or investments such as property.
If criminals don’t pay back the money they receive extended prison sentences. Although the debt never goes away and officers are able to recover what is owed in the future.
They money is then reinvested into various community projects and safety initiatives via Government, the Crown Prosecution Service and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, who allocates proceeds of crime seized from criminal activity through his My Community Fund, said: “I’m pleased to see the huge impact of West Midlands Police’s economic crime unit throughout the past 12 months as they’ve recovered in excess of £3million.
“I’d like to pass on my thanks to officers for their relentless work to ensure that crime does not pay.
“Through cash seized from criminal activity, I’ve managed to reinvest and allocate £330,000 to a whole host of different community groups via the My Community Fund initiative.
“From youth hubs and boxing clubs, to supporting the vulnerable, I know first-hand just how big a difference this money makes to people and groups across the West Midlands.”
Detective Inspector Lauren Ades, from WMP’s economic crime unit (ECU), said: “We have specialist staff who are relentless in ensuring that crime doesn’t pay.
“A criminal going to jail is just the start for us, as we’ll go through every piece of evidence to establish where the ‘dirty money’ is.
“Being locked up and then losing your illegal income as well is the ultimate double whammy.”
