As a result of a three year investigation, the Asset Forfeiture Unit has successfully forfeited approximately $520, 000 worth of property and obtained a Criminal Benefit Declaration for $221,000 as part of the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act.

In May 2008, upon application by the Director of Public Prosecutions to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, a restrained order under the CPFA was issued for a house in Karama and motor vehicles belonging to an unemployed 47-year-old male.

This was on the grounds that the property was crime-derived and also constituted part of a criminal benefit.

All the items seized had been placed under the name of family members, but were actually under the control of the male.

Forfeiture to the Territory of the Karama house and the restrained motor vehicles has been order by the Supreme Court.

The investigation also located several more vehicles, and automotive parts, believed to have been purchased with money derived from criminal activity, and as a result of this a further order of the court was made where the 47-year-old male now has a Criminal Benefit Declaration to the value of $221,000 which is owed to the Territory.

Detective Sergeant Wendy Schultz said "The use of the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act to target criminals and their 'crime derived', 'unexplainable' wealth or 'benefit' obtained through their illegal activities is proving very successful.

"We are making it ever more difficult for these offenders as they attempt to prove they gained their property through legitimate means. The fact that the proceeds of their criminal activity is forfeited to the Territory is the added deterrent" she said.


Media contact:
Amy Sloan
8922 3365