Police to seize crime gangs' cash

Police and Customs officers will be able to seize large sums of hard cash from all criminal suspects under new powers that come into force today.

The moves will try to squeeze financially the gangs involved in smuggling people and contraband alcohol, cigarettes and drugs.

The Home Office predicts that an extra £15 million of criminals' cash will be seized every year.

At present, Customs can only confiscate suspected drugs money found at ports.

But new powers in the Proceeds of Crime Act let officers go after any hard currency suspected of being linked to crime. Police and Customs will be able to hold suspicious cash sums of more than £10,000 for 48 hours while they investigate. They will hold on to the money if there are charges.

Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth said: "Organised criminals cash in on the illegal drugs market, burglary and muggings that plague people's lives.

"Taking away criminals' dirty cash sends out a clear signal that we will not allow crime to pay."

The Act follows US experience where the FBI cracked down on the Mob by going after the finances of organised criminals.

Other powers coming into force next year will see the creation of an Assets Recovery Agency.

New civil recovery rules will make it possible to sue suspected criminals to recover assets, even if there is not enough evidence for a criminal prosecution.

The new laws will put the onus on suspects to prove that assets - like property, cars and yachts - have been paid for legitimately.

Police will also be able to freeze assets at the start of an inquiry rather than just before an arrest. At present, this gives criminals the chance to hide their fortunes.