Police sell seized goods on e-Bay

[Timewarp Profile]

Police in Leicestershire are using online auction site eBay to help reclaim the value of goods that have been confiscated from criminals.

The six-month long trial scheme will offer anything from home cinema sets to computer consoles, all confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

It is hoped any money raised will be split between the force and government.

The site will not sell stolen goods, only those bought with "dirty money", Acting Det Insp Dharmendra Bhakta said.

'Corrupt' purchase

In the past year, civil and criminal investigations have yielded hundreds of items worth more than £3m in total, which were confiscated by Leicestershire Police and the courts under POCA.

Mr Bhakta, said: "POCA empowers law enforcement agencies to seize property from offenders.

"Those convicted and adjudged to have purchased goods with 'dirty money', are required to forfeit their ill-gotten gains.

"Our intervention creates an opportunity for the public to bid to purchase high-value goods at competitive prices, with profits going towards new crime fighting initiatives."

David Hargrave, Proceeds of Crime Property Realisation Officer, said: "The public can buy with confidence. All items offered for sale on this site are legitimate pre-purchased goods - only the method of purchase was corrupt.

"No stolen or found property will knowingly be offered for sale on this site."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leic ... 277361.stm