Cash investigation team seize more than £80,000

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Eight criminals have been left out of pocket after Greater Manchester Police successfully obtained forfeiture orders on more than £80,000 seized.

The Force’s cash investigation team has today (Thursday 7 March 2011) obtained orders against eight individuals for a total amount of £84,930 after money was seized from them.

The largest amount seized from one person was £28,000.

During the hearing officers were able to convince the court that the cash was either derived from or intended to be used in a variety of crimes including drug dealing, handling stolen jewellery, money laundering and car crime.

GMP has the power to seize cash amounts of more than £1,000 if it is believed the money has been made through criminal activity.

Half the money recovered will be put into the community payback scheme.

Detective Constable John Townsend, a financial investigator, said: “This action strengthens communities by showing crime does not pay and makes the cash available for community projects.

“It also prevents crime by not only disrupting the individual criminals but severely disrupting the illegal markets in which they operate.

“These forfeitures from around the Force area demonstrate that we will make the best possible use of our powers to ensure criminals are not allowed to enjoy the proceeds of their crime.”