Freezing orders under the Victorian Confiscation Act

If you are suspected or about to be charged with certain criminal offences, police can apply to freeze your bank account so that you cannot access or dispose of funds. This is done with a view to eventually taking those funds away from you.

What Are Freezing Orders?

Freezing Orders, or as they are sometimes known, "Mareva Orders" are short-term orders that prevent you from being able to deal with your funds so that you cannot get rid of them prior to a subsequent order being made to restrain or otherwise deprive you of your property. If a Freezing Order is made on your account with a financial institution, you will not be able to withdraw, transfer or otherwise access funds while the order is in place.