£1.8 Million Seized from Crooks by Kent’s Crime Busters
Kent’s Proceeds of Crime Team smashed organised crime in 2022/23 by snatching nearly £1.8 million in cash and assets believed to be gained illegally. Using tough laws under the Proceeds of Crime Act, specialist officers target drug dealers, fraudsters, and other criminals to strip them of their dirty money.
Cash, Cars and Bling – Criminals Pay the Price
- The team secured 110 court orders to freeze assets, from cash stashes to luxury watches, precious metals, and artworks.
- One investigation revealed a relative holding huge sums of money couldn’t possibly afford it legally – some notes were even issued after their death.
- In a cheeky twist, a fraudster who tricked buyers into paying for phantom cars had his own Porsche confiscated after being spotted by officers.
- A cocaine kingpin using encrypted messages was slapped with a £78,000 payback demand after French authorities helped Kent Police track his crimes.
Millions Locked Down Thanks to Cross-Border Teamwork
Between freezing bank accounts, seizing cash, and snagging high-value assets, the team recovered over £2.7 million in total last year. Their success relies heavily on cooperation with European law enforcement, cracking down on crime networks both near and far.
Spot Crime? Speak Up Now!
Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Pritchard, head of the Proceeds of Crime Team, urged the public: “If you believe someone has unexplained wealth or profits from crime, please report it to Kent Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Contact Kent Police at www.kent.police.uk/report or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also use their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
