Annex B – POCA Summary Cash Forfeiture
Cash over £1,000 can be seized if it is suspected to be unlawful in origin, or to be intended for use in unlawful conduct. These are civil proceedings, and it is not necessary to arrest the person carrying the cash. Cash can be detained for a maximum period of two years while its origin and purpose are investigated. Ultimately the cash is either given back or forfeited at a magistrates’ court or (if certain conditions are met) administratively. Once forfeited it is brought to account and paid into a central fund.