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ARTICLE · 11 JULY 2022

Unexplained Wealth Orders - Should We Expect A Resurgence?

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Unexplained Wealth Orders ("UWO") were introduced by the Criminal Finances Act 2017 as an investigative tool for UK enforcement authorities to combat the flow of dirty money into the UK.

United KingdomCriminal Law
Natalie Sherborn
Natalie Sherborn
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What is an Unexplained Wealth Order?

Unexplained Wealth Orders ("UWO") were introduced by the Criminal Finances Act 2017 as an investigative tool for UK enforcement authorities to combat the flow of dirty money into the UK. UWOs can be used to compel an individual, trust or company to provide information about legal ownership and the source of funds used to obtain assets. The purpose is to enable UK enforcement authorities to examine the financial activities of those whose assets are believed to far exceed what could be acquired by their legitimate income.

Although UWOs do not provide the power to seize or recover property, these are intended to be used alongside the civil recovery powers granted under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to effect recovery of the identified assets.

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