Cash Seizure and Forfeiture

Q: Challenging cash seizures

We provide fast, practical advice if your cash or assets have been taken at an airport, during a search, or following a financial investigation We assess the legality of the seizure, prepare evidence and engage with the authorities to secure release where possible.

Q: Representation at court

We represent clients at Magistrates’ Court hearings for detention and forfeiture applications. Our team builds strong cases demonstrating the legitimate origin and intended use of funds, helping you retain access to your money / assets. We help present clear, credible evidence to show lawful ownership and purpose.

Q: Bank Account Freezing & Forfeiture Orders

We advise on Account Freezing Orders and Account Forfeiture Orders, acting for account holders and interested parties We negotiate with enforcement agencies and challenge applications that lack proper basis or evidence.

Q: Protecting your reputation

We understand the sensitivity of these cases and offer discreet, strategic advice. Where necessary, we work with our regulatory, criminal and commercial teams to address any wider implications.

The Proceeds of Crime Act has made it more and more common in the UK for asset recovery orders to be made. Perhaps the most dramatic examples of this type of order are cash seizures or cash forfeitures.

The Police, Border Force and other authorities have wide powers to seize cash, bank balances and valuable assets if they suspect the funds are linked to criminal conduct. Even when no criminal charges are brought, the authorities can still apply to forfeit your money / assets under POCA.

Specialist advice when your money or assets have been seized

If you are faced with cash seizure or forfeiture, it can be very distressing and upsetting for you and your family or business colleagues.

If you have been convicted, the police or courts might stop you accessing your assets – meaning they could freeze bank accounts, cards, and property. This can be to stop you hiding them, or because they believe you are profiting from a crime.

Confiscation orders can leave you completely unable to pay for living costs or people depending on you. It’s often one of the most distressing parts of a conviction.

It is vital that you have proper legal advice and representation. Our expert team acts quickly to challenge seizures, secure the return of funds and protect your position. We regularly assist individuals, businesses and professionals facing urgent and high-stakes financial investigations.

How we can help

Challenging cash seizures

Representation at court

Bank Account Freezing & Forfeiture Orders

Protecting your reputation

Speak to our experts

We have the largest private client team in the UK, our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.

Meet our experts

Why choose Irwin Mitchell?

Fast, effective action
Experience across all major enforcement agencies
Strong track record in having funds released or forfeiture avoided
Clear, practical guidance on evidence, documentation and strategy
National Team with specialist expertise in POCA and financial investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can the police seize?

A customs officer or a police officer is allowed to seize cash of more than £1,000 from someone entering the country, or who is already in the country if it seems that:

The cash has come from a criminal act
The cash is going to be used illegally.

That cash can normally only be held for up to 48 hours unless a court order says that it can be kept for longer. The cash will normally be held in an account that carries interest until the court proceedings have finished.

What can happen to my money?

The police can hold seized cash for up to 48 hours. If they want to hold it longer, they have to get permission from a judge (a court order). If the judge agrees, they can hold it for up to 90 days.

Police can increase the holding time by 3–6 months at a time, up to 2 years.

In the worst case scenario, if they can prove it was “more likely than not” your cash was illegally gained, or was going to be illegally spent, you won’t get it back. This is called forfeiture.

What do I do if my money’s been seized?

You might’ve had cash seized during a police stop and search, or by customs officers as you have come through border control into the UK.

Having large sums of money taken from you is frightening. Very few people know what to do, whether they can challenge it, or how to get it back.

A skilled lawyer will make sure the police or investigators are acting legally. We’ll start work immediately to defend you and your use of the money, and argue to have your money returned to you as soon as possible.

What do I do if my money’s been forfeited?

Even if you are later acquitted (or cleared) of a crime, a cash forfeiture might stay in place.

Investigators need proof to convict you of a criminal offence. But for forfeiture, they only have to show that illegal use of the money was “more likely than not”. So in some situations, people are able to clear their name, but lose the cash permanently.

This means a case like this is never “black and white”. But that’s what lawyers are expertly trained to handle. We’ll always explain to you what’s going on, how likely it is you will get your money back, and what a “best case scenario” looks like for you.