Proceeds of Crime Act Proceedings

Experts in Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) matters, Sonn Macmillan Walker can provide clear, strategic advice at every stage of your case.

In England and Wales, the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) provides wide-reaching powers for law enforcement to restrain, freeze, and recover assets suspected of being the proceeds of unlawful conduct. Sonn Macmillan Walker can provide professional guidance and representation if you are facing POCA action. Whether you need early advice on compliance or specialist support in active proceedings, our experienced team is here to assist you at every stage.

POCA Action

POCA matters can arise in many forms: Account Freezing Orders (AFOs), Account Forfeiture Orders, Restraint Orders, Confiscation Proceedings, and Civil Recovery Claims. These actions often start on limited or incomplete information, and individuals or organisations can find themselves subject to serious financial restrictions with little notice. It is vital to obtain prompt legal advice to challenge inappropriate applications, ensure compliance, and protect your assets.

Experts

POCA cases frequently involve detailed financial analysis, complex transaction histories, and tracing of funds both in the UK and overseas. We work closely with forensic accountants and financial experts where required, ensuring that technical issues (such as the provenance of funds, business turnover, charitable distributions, or third-party interests) are fully understood and accurately presented. Our team is experienced in preparing clear, comprehensive evidence that addresses the concerns of investigators and the court.

Convictions and POCA Consequences

A criminal conviction is not always necessary for POCA action to be taken. Civil recovery and freezing powers can apply even where no charges have been brought, and the legal tests differ significantly from those in the criminal courts. These provisions can catch individuals, companies, and charities by surprise. We advise clients on their exposure, how to respond, and how to mitigate the impact of ongoing investigations or proceedings.

POCA and Sentencing

For defendants in criminal proceedings, POCA confiscation orders can add a significant financial penalty alongside any custodial sentence. The consequences of a confiscation order can be long-lasting, including default sentences if payment is not made. Strategic advice from the outset, including accurate benefit calculations and robust challenges to alleged “criminal lifestyle” assumptions, is essential to securing the best possible outcome.

Speak to us today at Sonn Macmillan Walker to get expert advice on dealing with POCA proceedings.

26 May 2026

Success in Confiscation Proceedings: £730k benefit figure reduced to £32k.

Sonn Macmillan Walker achieved a substantial reduction of both alleged benefit and liability in a complex planning‑enforcement confiscation case, persuading the council to limit benefit to one‑third of rental income, abandon criminal‑lifestyle assumptions, and securing a £32k order alongside a conditional discharge.

28 November 2025

POCA Success: Benefit figure reduced from over £8 million with corporate veil and third-party interests successfully challenged

SMW secured a major reduction in a confiscation claim against a businessman, cutting the Crown’s alleged £8 million benefit to a £1.9 million order and nearly halving the available amount. All third-party interests were upheld, the corporate veil remained intact, and key assets were excluded after detailed submissions and robust negotiation.

05 September 2025

POCA Success: Benefit figure reduced by £10M and ‘hidden assets’ avoided

An excellent outcome for our client, with the Court accepting that he had no beneficial interest in the property of which he was legal owner.

Related cases

"Sonn Macmillan Walker is regularly sought after by individuals and corporates to advise on a wide range of POCA and asset forfeiture work. The team is highly experienced in confiscations proceedings and related enforcement matters. The firm is also well versed in civil recovery matters. Members of the team are very adept at handling matters arising from such cases as fraud and drug offences."

Chambers & Partners, 2027

"The level of preparation, litigation support, client care, mark Sonn Macmillan Walker out as exceptional."

Chambers & Partners, 2027

"The team is very prompt and responsive to all communications, extremely thorough and diligent in attending to case work. They are always very client-focused and willing to go the extra mile to ensure a quality job is done."

Chambers & Partners, 2027

"SMW provides a very good and conscientious service to clients. The advice that they gave to the client was prudent and commercially sound, properly weighing up the risks and advantages of each option."

Chambers & Partners, 2027

"The team understands the complexity of POCA cases inside out, and their written statements are a model to be followed."

Chambers & Partners, 2027

"Sonn Macmillan Walker’s POCA and asset forfeiture work is distinguished by a high level of technical expertise combined with a clear understanding of how confiscation proceedings operate in practice. They are particularly strong on identifying the real points of contention in a case and avoiding unnecessary litigation on issues that do not materially affect outcome."

Chambers & Partners, 2027