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Tough on Criminals: Cash Seizure Laws Introduced on St Helena
In an effort to crack down on illegal activities, St Helena has introduced new laws allowing customs and police officers to seize cash suspected of being criminal property or intended for use in criminal conduct.
What are the New Regulations?
Under these regulations, officers can seize cash if they have reasonable grounds to believe it is linked to criminal activity. This includes:
- Cash that is suspected of being the proceeds of crime
- Cash intended to be used to fund illegal activities
How Long Can Cash Be Detained?
The laws also give officers the power to detain seized cash for up to 48 hours before seeking a court order to extend detention. The court can then order the cash to be detained for a further period, but this must not exceed three months.
Goal of the New Laws
Cash seizure laws are designed to disrupt criminal networks and prevent the use of illegal proceeds to fund further crime. St Helena authorities believe that seizing cash is an effective way to deprive criminals of their ill-gotten gains and prevent them from continuing their illicit activities.
Release of Seized Cash
The new laws also provide for the release of seized cash if it can be shown that the conditions for detention are no longer met. In cases where the cash has been detained for more than 48 hours, authorities must:
- Pay the cash into an interest-bearing account
- Add any accrued interest to the total amount upon its release or forfeiture
Forfeiture of Seized Cash
Forfeiture of seized cash is also possible under the new laws. The Magistrates’ Court can order the forfeiture of the whole or part of the cash if it is satisfied that it is connected to criminal activity.
Message from Authorities
St Helena authorities are urging anyone suspected of engaging in illegal activities to think twice before using cash as a means of laundering their ill-gotten gains. The new laws are designed to make it more difficult for criminals to hide their proceeds and to ensure that those who engage in illegal activities are held accountable.
“We are committed to disrupting criminal networks and preventing the use of illegal proceeds to fund further crime,” said [Name], Commissioner of Police, St Helena. “These new laws will help us to achieve this goal and make our community a safer place.”