Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022: Unexplained Wealth Order Report 2023 to 2024

Dan Jarvis Excerpts

Wednesday 18th December 2024 Written Statements

[The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)]

Today, the unexplained wealth order report for the period 2023 to 2024, has been laid before Parliament. The unexplained wealth order report details the number of unexplained wealth orders made by the High Court in England and Wales during that period, and the number of applications made to that Court by enforcement authorities for such an order.

During this reporting period, two unexplained wealth orders were applied for. One was obtained and the other did not receive a judicial decision during the reporting period. One of the UWOs applied for in the 2022 to 2023 reporting period was also obtained in this reporting period.

Enforcement agencies remain committed to using the unexplained wealth order power where they see it is the best tool available to them. Not all cases merit an unexplained wealth order, and often the range of civil and criminal powers available to them to investigate, search for, and seize assets, better suit the circumstances of a given case. Large amounts of assets are being recovered. In the financial year 2023 to 2024, £62.9 million was recovered through civil recovery order receipts, the highest amount recovered in the last six years.

Enforcement agencies continue to review whether cases are suitable for a UWO.

Copies of the report will be available in the Vote Office, and it will also be published on gov.uk.

[HCWS340]