Filthy Lucre and Ill-gotten Gains

摘要

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 ('the 2002 Act') heralded an inventive change of direction in addressing the benefits of crime. The provisions of the 2002 Act are specifically aimed at recovering any proceeds from crime or 'unlawful conduct'. This is clearly a popular measure for the voting public, who would no doubt like to see 'criminals' paying for their wrongdoing. It is also a coup for vote-courting politicians, as it provides evidence to back up the mantra of being tough on the causes of crime. The theory is straightforward: by removing the benefits of crime, crime will necessarily become less appealing.