Cash Seizure Laws Tightened in St Helena

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In an effort to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the government of St Helena has introduced new regulations governing the seizure and detention of cash. The laws aim to prevent the misuse of cash and ensure that it is not used to fund illegal activities.

Definition of Cash

Under the new laws, “cash” is defined as:

Notes and coins in any currency
Postal orders
Cheques
Bankers’ drafts
Bearer bonds and shares

Search Powers

Customs officers and police have the power to search individuals and seize cash if they suspect that it is linked to criminal activity. However, this power can only be exercised with prior approval from:

A justice of the peace
A senior officer (unless it is not practicable to obtain such approval in advance)

Seizure of Cash

Cash can be seized if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that it is:

Criminal property
Intended for use in criminal conduct

The amount of cash that can be seized is limited to £100 or more.

Detention of Seized Cash

Cash that has been seized can be detained initially for a period of 48 hours. This detention period can be extended by an order made by a magistrates’ court, but not beyond three months from the date of the order. An application for such an extension must demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the cash is:

Criminal property
Intended for use in criminal conduct

Interest and Release

If cash is detained for more than 48 hours, it must be paid into an interest-bearing account in St Helena. The interest accruing on the cash will be added to it if it is forfeited or released. Cash can also be released if the conditions for its detention are no longer met.

Media Contact

For further information, please contact: [Name] at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].