Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Confiscation order definition

What does Confiscation order mean? An order made in criminal proceedings requiring a convicted defendant to pay the state a sum representing the proceeds (benefit) of their criminal conduct, up to the value of assets available to them. It does not usually seize specific items; instead it creates a recoverable monetary judgment. In England and Wales and Northern Ireland, confiscation orders are governed by the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) (Parts 2 and 4). In Scotland, equivalent orders are made under POCA Part 3. In Ireland, post‑conviction confiscation is provided for by the Criminal Justice Act 1994 (as amended). Across these jurisdictions the court assesses...

Proportionality in POCA 2002 Confiscation: Waya, Andrewes (CV fraud), double recovery, restoration, compensation, profit-based calculation, lifestyle assumptions and finality

Published by a LexisNexis Corporate Crime expert

Practice notes

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision in R v Waya

Following the Supreme Court ruling in R v Waya, section 6(5) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA 2002) was revised to insert the words: ‘Paragraph (b) applies only if, or to the extent that, it would not be disproportionate to require the defendant to pay the recoverable amount.’ This placed on a statutory footing the requirement that confiscation orders be proportionate. A prosecutor is not obliged to commence confiscation proceedings; rather, doing so is a matter of discretion. If the prosecutor does not invite the court to proceed to confiscation, the court likewise retains a discretion whether to embark on confiscation proceedings, provided the remaining statutory conditions are satisfied. The judgment in R v Andrewes confirms that prosecutors, at the very least, should build an assessment of proportionality into the decision whether to ask the court to proceed to confiscation. See News Analysis: Ensuring proportionality in confiscation proceedings (R v Andrewes). There are no statutory criteria to assist in deciding what is, or is not, disproportionate for the purposes of confiscation orders. The amended statute offers no definition of the term...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...