An Update on Unexplained Wealth Orders and Account Freezing Orders

Introduction

The Criminal Finances Act 2017 (CFA) introduced a number of significant and far-reaching extensions to the powers of the UK's criminal investigative and enforcement agencies to investigate and seize the proceeds of crime.

Since the introduction of the Act, many of the new powers introduced have been utilised by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and other investigative bodies and subsequently challenged in the Courts.

In an environment where economic crime is an increasing priority for government and law enforcement, the CFA represents the most significant leap forward in criminal investigation and enforcement since the Proceeds of Crime Act in 2002 and a revolution in the UK's fight against corruption and money laundering.

At the same time, serious concerns have been raised by legal practitioners about the impact of these revolutionary new powers on basic rights and due process. In a high-profile case reported in 2020, such concerns were manifest in a challenge to the NCA's use of its new powers.

This webinar will provide an update on the operation and practical implications of the two most significant (and controversial) new powers contained in the 2017 Act.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• The key provisions of the Criminal Finances Act 2017 - the single biggest leap forward in anti-corruption/proceeds of crime law since the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002?
• The two most impactful powers contained in the 2017 Act: Unexplained Wealth Orders (‘UWOs’) and Account Freezing Orders (‘AFOs’) and why they are so significant
• The circumstances in which a UWO or AFO can be made - legal requirements, potential subjects and scope of each type of order
• The practical effects of a UWO/AFO: who can be ordered to disclose what; the extent and duration of asset freezing; the implications for professional advisors (banks, lawyers, accountants, trustees) and other third parties
• What happens after an UWO/AFO is made: the realities of civil recovery actions and implications for subjects and third parties
• Examples and case studies

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Wednesday 15th October 2025

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,800+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.