Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any of the unexplained wealth orders that have been applied for have been settled by confiscation of wealth or other assets.
Three UWOs have been applied for, and all granted, since the power came into force in January. All these applications were made without notice and heard in private. Law enforcement are currently exploring the use of more UWO in a number of cases.
They relate to the investigation of assets totalling £22 million. Interim freezing orders have also been obtained against the properties, in London and the South East, so they cannot be sold, As the orders all relate to ongoing investigations, it would be inappropriate to release further information at the moment. The annual Asset Recovery Statistical Bulletin, published in September, will include data on the number of UWOs obtained in the previous financial year.