OpenLegislation

Section 297F Release of cash subject to forfeiture noticeC1F1

United Kingdom

(1)

This section applies while any cash is detained under section 297C or 297D.

(2)

A magistrates' court may direct the release of the whole or any part of the cash if the following condition is met.

(3)

The condition is that the court is not satisfied, on an application by the person from whom the cash was seized, that the cash to be released—

(a)

is recoverable property, or

(b)

is intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.

(4)

An officer of Revenue and Customs, F2immigration officer, constable F3, SFO officer or accredited financial investigator may release the cash or any part of it if satisfied that the detention of the cash to be released is no longer justified.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1

Ss. 297A-297G and cross-heading inserted (22.11.2014 for the insertion of s. 297A(3)-(5) for specified purposes, 1.6.2015 for specified purposes, 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 65(1), 116(1) (with s. 65(4)); S.I. 2014/3101, art. 3; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2016/147, art. 3(e)

F2

Words in s. 297F(4) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 29 (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)

F3

Words in s. 297F(4) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 21; S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(aa); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 3(b)

Modifications

C1

Pt. 5 Ch. 3 applied (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by 2007 c. 30, s. 24(1) (as substituted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 21(3), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(f); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(i))

Notes on Chapter 3

Modifications

C1

Pt. 5 Ch. 3 applied (1.4.2010) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 24(1), 59(2); S.I. 2010/606, art. 2

C2

Pt. 5 Ch. 3 modified (E.W.) (1.4.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/196), arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. para. 3 (as amended (20.7.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) (Amendment) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/767), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(a))