Chris Gibbs
28th September 2009, 07:42 PM
POLICE are using online auction site eBay to help reclaim the value of goods that have been confiscated from criminals. Running on a six-month trial, the "shop" will offer anything from home cinema sets to computer consoles, all confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
It is being operated by the Leicestershire Constabulary and the money raised will go to central government, with a percentage being kept by the force. In the past year, civil and criminal investigations have yielded hundreds of items worth over £3m, which were confiscated by Leicestershire Police and courts under the Act. The site will not sell stolen goods, but those found to have been bought with "dirty money", a spokesman said.
Acting Det Insp of the Leicestershire Constabulary Economic Crime Unit (ECU), Dharmendra Bhakta, said: "The Act empowers law enforcement agencies to seize property from alleged offenders. "Those convicted and adjudged to have purchased goods with 'dirty money', are required to forfeit their ill-gotten gains. Our intervention creates an opportunity for the public to bid to purchase high value goods at competitive prices, with profits going towards new crime fighting initiatives."
Currently offered for sale on the new eBay site are home cinema sets, computer consoles and games and LCD televisions. They are just part of the haul recovered by the force's ECU.
The department, which works to dismantle organised crime groups across its area, has so far recovered vehicles including a 1964 Aston Martin DB4 Superleggera, BMW X5, BMW M3 SMG and high priced luxury items including plasma screen TVs, Louis Vuitton designer handbags and high-powered motorbikes.
David Hargrave, Proceeds of Crime Property Realisation Officer, added: "The public can buy with confidence. All items offered for sale on this site are legitimate pre-purchased goods – only the method of purchase was corrupt."
http://desc.shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=Leicester+Police+POCA+Property&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=1&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=%E2%80%98Leicester+Police+POCA+Property%E2%8 0%99&_osacat=0&_rdc=1
What do you think?
Cheers
Chris :)
It is being operated by the Leicestershire Constabulary and the money raised will go to central government, with a percentage being kept by the force. In the past year, civil and criminal investigations have yielded hundreds of items worth over £3m, which were confiscated by Leicestershire Police and courts under the Act. The site will not sell stolen goods, but those found to have been bought with "dirty money", a spokesman said.
Acting Det Insp of the Leicestershire Constabulary Economic Crime Unit (ECU), Dharmendra Bhakta, said: "The Act empowers law enforcement agencies to seize property from alleged offenders. "Those convicted and adjudged to have purchased goods with 'dirty money', are required to forfeit their ill-gotten gains. Our intervention creates an opportunity for the public to bid to purchase high value goods at competitive prices, with profits going towards new crime fighting initiatives."
Currently offered for sale on the new eBay site are home cinema sets, computer consoles and games and LCD televisions. They are just part of the haul recovered by the force's ECU.
The department, which works to dismantle organised crime groups across its area, has so far recovered vehicles including a 1964 Aston Martin DB4 Superleggera, BMW X5, BMW M3 SMG and high priced luxury items including plasma screen TVs, Louis Vuitton designer handbags and high-powered motorbikes.
David Hargrave, Proceeds of Crime Property Realisation Officer, added: "The public can buy with confidence. All items offered for sale on this site are legitimate pre-purchased goods – only the method of purchase was corrupt."
http://desc.shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=Leicester+Police+POCA+Property&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=1&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=%E2%80%98Leicester+Police+POCA+Property%E2%8 0%99&_osacat=0&_rdc=1
What do you think?
Cheers
Chris :)