SEIZED PROCEEDS OF CRIME PUT TO POSITIVE USE

The RCMP Proceeds of Crime program takes money away from criminals
and puts it back into your community to help with drug awareness and
crime prevention initiatives.

It was first introduced in 1989, and has enjoyed considerable success
since then.

The program is directed at identifying and forfeiting illicit or
unreported wealth accumulated through criminal activities.

The program's mandate is to "remove criminal incentive by providing a
proactive, investigative service to field units, partners and
clients, based on a team approach."

Since its initiation, it has assisted in the forfeiture of millions
of dollars worth of homes, cash, jewelry, and even an ocean freighter-liner.

The proceeds of crime program runs on an integrated model that brings
together RCMP investigators, prosecutors from the Public Prosecution
Service of Canada, forensic accountants and customs officers. By
working together, these groups continue to disrupt illegal activity
and cripple the ability of organized crime groups to do business.

The program relies on various provisions within the Criminal Code:
the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Customs Act, Proceeds of
Crime and Terrorist Financing Act, and the Civil Forfeiture Act
(British Columbia), to name a few.

The Civil Forfeiture Act, passed in April 2006, is a provincial law
that suppresses criminal acts by taking the profit motive out of crime.

Where proven in civil court that property has been acquired as a
result of unlawful activity, the Supreme Court can order forfeiture
of the property.

Proceeds from the sale of assets such as houses, cars, boats and
other goods are used to compensate victims, prevent unlawful
activities, help remediate the effect of unlawful activities and
administer the act.

Since the Civil Forfeiture Act came into effect, over $3.4 million in
cash and assets have been forfeited, millions more in property have
been restrained, and 25 cases concluded without the expense of going to trial.

The RCMP Proceeds of Crime program and the Civil Forfeiture program
are working in your community. Some of the programs that benefit from
funds generated through the Proceeds of Crime initiative are the B.C.
Children's Hospital, as well as numerous youth and victim's services programs.