 The man was not arrested |
A 33-year-old man has been ordered to forfeit nearly �70,000 to Greater Manchester Police - the first time the force has used powers granted to police under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. A district judge made the order on 23 September at Oldham Magistrates Court after a police raid found �69,880 in a locked safe.
The man was also ordered to pay �1,500 costs.
Police have authority under the Act to seize cash above �10,000 if they can show it has been gained by criminal activity.
Detective Sergeant Martin Baldwin said: "This is the first and largest forfeiture of its kind within GMP.
"At no time during the proceedings was the 33-year-old man arrested or charged."
He added: "This should be used a warning to others who have large amounts of cash from proceeds of crime.
"We do not have to arrest them or to bring any charges against them to take their money."
Drugs search
Armed police searching for drugs at the man's house in Cedar Grove, Denton, Tameside found the locked safe on 8 March.
The police did not find any drugs but took the safe to Ashton police station.
The man claimed the cash was being held for a business venture with two other men and that �35,000 was from the sale of a house in Sheffield.
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We do not have to arrest them or to bring any charges against them to take their money 
