Colin Boyd voiced satisfaction that criminal activity is being hampered

Lord Advocate Colin Boyd said the law had delivered on its promise to hit criminals where it hurts.

The legislation allows the authorities to seize money, goods and even homes linked to illegal activity.

Rolex watches and quad bikes have been among the luxury goods confiscated by officials.

Mr Boyd maintained that the legislation has been disrupting criminal activity.

He said: "Working closely with the police and other partner agencies our Civil Recovery and Financial Crime units are targeting the profits of criminal activity at all levels in our communities.

'Life of crime'

"By taking this money away from criminals we are disrupting their ability to invest in future criminal activity.

"At the same time we are showing people in our communities that while a life of crime may have short term attractions it will no longer be an easy way to make cash."

Action taken by the Financial Crime Unit in the last year has recouped �4.8m from the confiscation of cash, property and investments.

The scheme aims to compensate communities blighted by crime.

The lord advocate said all levels of criminals were being targeted

The unit raised actions in 175 cases last year, with the potential to recoup a total of �16m.

In the same period the courts also ordered the recovery of �1.4m following proceedings by the Civil Recovery Unit.

This is money which was said to have resulted from criminal activity and included profits from the sale of two Glasgow properties.

Alongside jewellery and other luxury items, a half-share in a fishing vessel was seized.