Asset Forfeiture, Confiscation & Civil Fraud

5SAH is recognised as a leading set for Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), asset recovery, forfeiture, confiscation, and civil fraud work. Our specialist team acts for both applicants and respondents in some of the most significant and high-profile cases in this rapidly evolving area of law.

Our barristers have extensive experience in:

• Account Freezing Orders (AFOs) and Account Forfeiture Orders
• Confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Civil Recovery and Property Freezing Orders
• Unexplained Wealth Orders
• Cryptocurrency and digital asset disputes
• Investigation orders and warrants under POCA and PACE
• Condemnation and restoration proceedings
• Civil fraud and asset tracing litigation
• Complex cross-border and multi-jurisdictional asset recovery cases

We advise and represent clients in matters involving cryptoassets and digital property, including issues arising under the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025. Our team is also fully up to date with the latest amendments to POCA introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which came into force on 29 June 2026.

Recognised Leaders in the Field

5SAH has been at the forefront of POCA and asset recovery work. Members of the team have appeared in many of the leading authorities in this area and regularly lecture on developments in confiscation, forfeiture, and investigative powers.

Our expertise is recognised by both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, which consistently rank the set and its individual members among the leaders in this field.

Notable directory comments include:

Confiscation

• We act in all aspects of confiscation proceedings following conviction, including cases involving restraint orders, receiverships, disclosure orders and enforcement proceedings.
• Our barristers regularly appear before the Crown Court, High Court and appellate courts and are frequently instructed in cases involving competing claims by spouses, dependants and third parties.

Civil Recovery and Forfeiture

Our team advises and represents clients in the full range of Part 5 POCA proceedings, including:

• Civil Recovery Orders
• Property Freezing Orders
• Unexplained Wealth Orders
• Disclosure and Production Orders
• Cash forfeiture proceedings
• Bank account forfeiture proceedings
• Listed asset forfeiture
• Cryptocurrency forfeiture

Condemnation and Restoration

We have extensive experience challenging seizures made by HM Revenue & Customs and Border Force under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. These matters commonly involve tobacco, alcohol, vehicles, cash, sanctioned goods and export-controlled items, as well as associated restoration appeals.

Civil Fraud and Asset Tracing

Our barristers act for both claimants and defendants in complex civil fraud disputes. We advise on and obtain urgent interim remedies, including:

• Freezing Injunctions (Mareva Orders)
• Search Orders (Anton Piller Orders)
• Norwich Pharmacal Orders
• Asset tracing and recovery measures

Where appropriate, we provide strategic advice on parallel civil and criminal proceedings to maximise recovery prospects and protect clients' interests.

International and Cross-Practice Expertise

Many of our cases have international dimensions involving assets spread across multiple jurisdictions. Clients benefit from our close collaboration with specialists across chambers, including Extradition, Business Crime, Family, Sanctions, Immigration, Crime (Private Prosecutions & Defence), Professional Discipline, and more.

Members of the team can advise clients in Spanish, French and Turkish, providing additional support in cross-border matters.

Whether acting for individuals, businesses, enforcement authorities or third parties, 5SAH delivers expert, strategic and commercially focused advice across the full spectrum of POCA, asset recovery and civil fraud work.