Police recover more than £3m in 'dirty money' from criminals
West Midlands Police secured more than 175 confiscation or forfeiture orders during 2024
Last updated 27th Dec 2024
West Midlands Police has recovered more than £3 million of so-called 'dirty money' during 2024.
Criminals have been forced to pay back their illegal earnings under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), with more than 175 confiscation or forfeiture orders secured this year.
It means officers have managed to claw back money, even after offenders have been jailed.
The money is then reinvested into community projects and safety initiatives.
Detective Inspector Lauren Ades, said: “We have specialist staff who are relentless in ensuring that crime doesn’t pay.
“A criminal going to jail is just the start for us, as we’ll go through every piece of evidence to establish where the ‘dirty money’ is.
“Being locked up and then losing your illegal income as well is the ultimate double whammy.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, who allocates proceeds of crime seized from criminal activity through his My Community Fund, said:
“I’m pleased to see the huge impact of West Midlands Police’s economic crime unit throughout the past 12 months as they’ve recovered in excess of £3 million.
“I’d like to pass on my thanks to officers for their relentless work to ensure that crime does not pay.
“Through cash seized from criminal activity, I’ve managed to reinvest and allocate £330,000 to a whole host of different community groups via the My Community Fund initiative.
“From youth hubs and boxing clubs, to supporting the vulnerable, I know first-hand just how big a difference this money makes to people and groups across the West Midlands.”