Overview

The law does not permit people to profit from criminal activity. When someone benefits from a crime, any property or money gained may be confiscated or “forfeited to the Crown”. This means the state will assume control or ownership of the property.

If the property is suspected to be the proceeds of crime, orders can prevent a person from dealing with it even before criminal proceedings have concluded.

 

Which property can be forfeited?

Any property considered the proceeds of crime can be forfeited to the Crown. Property is considered to be the proceeds of crime if it was directly or indirectly derived from the commission of an offence, such as money obtained from the sale of illicit drugs.

“Property” has a broad meaning and includes real and personal property, which may be tangible or intangible. Examples of property include cash, houses, yachts, cars, and bank accounts.

The NSW legislation also refers to “tainted property”. Property is tainted when it is used in, or in connection with, the commission of a serious offence. This expression is synonymous with proceeds of crime.

 

Australian forfeiture laws

Property derived from a crime may be forfeited under three key legislative regimes. The main aim of these Acts is to prevent people from benefitting from criminal offences, and to preserve evidence. Many of the provisions impose significant financial burdens on a defendant.

The legislative regimes include:

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth) – under this Act, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) can apply to withhold proceeds of crime concerning Commonwealth offences under one of the following types of orders:

  • Freezing Order.
  • Restraining Order.
  • Forfeiture Order.
  • Pecuniary Penalty Order.

Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime Act 1989 (NSW) – under this Act, the NSW DPP, the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), or NSW Police Commissioner can apply to withhold “tainted property” concerning NSW offences under one of the following types of orders:

  • Forfeiture Order.
  • Pecuniary Penalty Order.
  • Drug Proceeds Order.
  • Freezing Notice and Restraining Order.

Criminal Assets Recovery Act 1990 (NSW) – under this Act, the NSW Crime Commission can withhold proceeds of crime under one of the following types of order:

  • Restraining Order.
  • Forfeiture Order.
  • Proceeds Assessment Order.
  • Unexplained Wealth Order.

 

Different types of orders

 

Freezing and restraining orders

These orders prevent someone from dealing with or disposing of their assets. They are pre-emptive measures that ensure a person does not hide illegitimate assets before a conviction or forfeiture order can be obtained.

For example, if police suspect that an offender purchased a car using tainted money, the police can obtain an order stopping the offender from selling the car while proceedings are ongoing.

 

Forfeiture orders

When convicted of a serious offence that has generated proceeds, a person may be subject to a forfeiture order. This order forfeits those proceeds or property to the Crown.

 

Pecuniary penalty and drug proceeds orders

When someone has benefited from a crime, a pecuniary (financial) penalty order may apply. This order requires the person to repay the amount.

Drug proceeds orders are similar but only apply when the offence was a drug trafficking offence.

 

Proceeds assessment and unexplained wealth orders

Proceeds assessment orders are used when a person derived proceeds from the illegal activity of another person.

Unexplained wealth orders are used when the origin of a person’s wealth cannot be determined or traced, but the NSW Crime Commission suspects that it was acquired through illegal activity.

In both cases, the court can make this order which compels the person to pay the NSW Treasurer the value of the proceeds derived from the illegal activity, or the value of the unexplained wealth.

 

Challenging proceeds of crime orders

Applications made by law enforcement agencies can be defended in court. Agencies must prove that the orders applied for are necessary, and meet the requirements under the legislation. To defend an application, it is important to first consult a defence lawyer with experience in asset forfeiture orders.

If an order has already been granted, there are two courses of action which can be taken:

 

1) An application to exclude property from forfeiture

Under Section 94 of the Proceeds of Crime Act, an application can be made to the Supreme Court of NSW to exclude property from forfeiture if it can be shown that the property was derived from a legitimate source.

Any action to exclude property from forfeiture must begin as soon as possible after conviction. There is a 15-month limitation period from the date of conviction (or sentence), after which the property will automatically be forfeited.

 

2) Negotiate a settlement

The second option is to negotiate a settlement and reach an amicable agreement. This may involve forfeiting part of the property.

Settlement negotiations may occur with the CDPP or the NSW Crime Commission.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for forfeiture orders?

Only select law enforcement bodies can apply for asset forfeiture orders. These include the Australian Federal Police, Director of Public Prosecutions (Commonwealth and NSW), and the Crime Commission (Australian and NSW).

Can an order be made against me even if I haven't been convicted?

Yes, but only for some types of orders. For example, an application can be made to freeze or restrain property where the person is suspected of committing a criminal offence, but hasn’t yet been convicted.

How is the amount for a pecuniary penalty order determined?

When determining the penalty amount for a pecuniary penalty order under NSW legislation, the court will consider a range of factors including:

  • The value of the benefit derived from the offence.
  • The average amount paid for that type of property.
  • The overall value of the offender’s property before and after the offence.
  • The offender’s income and expenditure.

How do I bring an application under Section 94 of the Proceeds of Crime Act?

An exclusion from forfeiture application is commenced by filing a notice of motion with the Supreme Court of NSW outlining the particulars of the claim. A hearing date will be set for the application, but first the CDPP has the right to examine you in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

During this examination, you will be asked questions relating to the source of the property, and how you came to possess it. You must answer every question, even if the answers are incriminating. These answers may later be used as evidence against you, and it is therefore imperative that you receive legal advice before being examined.

How does the Commonwealth apply for a freezing order?

Freezing orders under the Commonwealth regime can only be made against a bank account. The CDPP or AFP applies in person to a magistrate, and must submit a supporting affidavit that sets out the particulars of their claim. A magistrate will only grant a freezing order if:

  • There are grounds to suspect that the bank account reflects proceeds of crimes, and
  • There is a risk that the funds will be reduced unless an order is made.

The burden of proof is low – the magistrate only needs to be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that funds are the proceeds of crime.

How does the Commonwealth apply for a forfeiture order?

The CDPP or AFP may apply for a forfeiture order by way of a written notice of application to have the matter heard before the District Court or Supreme Court. A magistrate will only grant a forfeiture order if:

  • A person has been convicted of a serious offence, and
  • The court is satisfied that the property is the proceeds of crime.

What happens to forfeited or confiscated assets?

Forfeited assets are given to the Commonwealth and placed into the Confiscated Assets Account, which is managed by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) on behalf of the Commonwealth. Those funds are generally reinvested into the community.

How can we help?

We provide expert advice and representation in defending freezing orders, asset forfeiture and related orders across both federal and state jurisdictions.

Contact us if you require assistance.

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