Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs)

UWOs – Sections 1–2 of the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and sections 362A–362T of Part 8 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

UWOs grant new civil powers to UK law enforcement agencies to help them identify, investigate and seize property suspected to represent the proceeds of criminal activity.

A UWO can be issued by the High Court (upon the application of a number of bodies including the National Crime Agency, Crown Prosecution Service, HMRC, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO)) where an individual is ‘reasonably suspected’ of involvement or connected to a person involved in serious crime. A UWO  obliges the individual to explain how property was obtained (eg. how a property was purchased) when there may be no discernible legitimate source of funds.  As such UWOs allow for the confiscation of property without proving criminality, by reversing the burden of proof so that the person subject to a UWO application needs to show that legitimate funds were used to purchase the property and / or finance a lifestyle.

Image of the arches outside the Ritz hotel in London

Contact one of our unexplained wealth order solicitors

Where you are subject to a UWO or an application for one the potential consequences are very serious, so it is essential that you are are represented by lawyers with experience in this specialist area who can provide the expert advice. Janes Solicitors have in-depth experience and expertise in the field of Unexplained Wealth Orders.

Call one of our expert Unexplained Wealth Order solicitors to see how we can help you and guide you through what can be a challenging time for you and your family.

For expert legal advice and representation, call Janes Solicitors today on 020 7930 5100 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our lawyers will be in touch as soon as possible.

David Janes | Partner

Head of Serious and Complex Fraud and Taxation
020 7930 5100 | Out of hours: 07789 622 430

James Mullion | Partner

BA
020 7930 5100 | Out of hours: 07789 622 430

Simon Barker | Partner

LLB
020 7930 5100 | Out of hours: 07789 622 430

Need advice? Call us now.
020 7930 5100
Out of hours: 07789 622 430