Seizure and forfeiture powers
The Act creates new civil powers, similar to the existing cash seizure and forfeiture scheme in Chapter 3, Part 5 of POCA, to enable the forfeiture of monies stored in bank accounts, and items of personal property, like precious metals and jewels. There is evidence that these items are being used to move value, both domestically and across international borders. There is a list of items specified in the Act, which can be amended by affirmative order as required. The power is exercisable where there is reasonable suspicion that the property is the proceeds of crime, or that it will be used in unlawful conduct in a manner similar to cash. The Act also expands the scope of the existing cash recovery powers to include betting receipts, fixed-value casino tokens and gaming vouchers.