POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 03330 150150About
Provided by Blackfords LLP
Blackfords LLP undertakes both legal aid work and private instructions in the field of POCA and Asset Recovery.
Many of our clients are serving prisoners and therefore the department travels UK wide in order to take instructions and represent clients. Members of the team have also been awarded their higher rights and so are able to represent clients at the Crown Court themselves.
We undertake a range of cases, some of which involve international travel in order to represent clients or obtain evidence for their cases.
Our team specialise in all things POCA related, ranging from large scale confiscation matters, s.11 extension of time to pay applications, and s.23 variations of orders including old style Certificate of Inadequacy matters. We also represent clients in the enforcement of orders in the Magistrates Court where the court consider imposing default terms of imprisonment.
Blackfords has been involved in a large number of high value, large scale confiscation matters as follows:
- £1.1m fraud against online marketplace Amazon.
- Operation Boromo, conspiracy to arrange illegal marriages with the Crown pursuing £4.6m in confiscation.
- Operation Spire, confiscation matter following conviction from the Hatton Gardens jewellery robbery in which the Crown were seeking £13.6m in confiscation.
Chambers Review
Blackfords is a respected firm with a strong reputation for handling high-profile fraud, POCA and asset forfeiture matters. The firm offers a specialist confiscation and restraint team which handles complex proceeds of crime work. It is frequently instructed on matters arising from high-profile criminal frauds, drug supply cases and robberies. The firm also acts for clients in confiscation and civil recovery proceedings relating to money laundering and mortgage fraud. The lawyers have notable experience in cases with cross-border aspects.
Work Highlights
- Blackfords acted for a high net worth individual in third party POCA proceedings surrounding £18 million worth of Bitcoin allegedly from an illegal drugs operation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have an innovative approach and are at ease with cases involving novel assets and asset classes, such as cryptocurrency."
"I refer clients to Blackfords because I know they'll be so well looked after."
"They have an innovative approach and are at ease with cases involving novel assets and asset classes, such as cryptocurrency."
"I refer clients to Blackfords because I know they'll be so well looked after."
Notable Practitioners
Helen Lynch has considerable expertise in the POCA space and regularly advises on leading cases involving civil recovery, conspiracy to supply drugs and related POCA proceedings.
"Helen is persistent, creative and pragmatic. She looks for creative solutions to seemingly intractable POCA issues. Her can-do attitude is a real asset."
"Helen has a global view of POCA. She is able to deal with questions of considerable factual and legal complexity."
Gary Bloxsome advises on POCA matters as part of his wider crime practice. He regularly assists individuals and companies with cases relating to fraud and money laundering. Bloxsome also offers advice on international and cross-border issues.
"Gary is a superb strategist."
"He is a true heavyweight with immense experience in this field. Gary inspires confidence in clients that they are in very safe, expert hands."
"His tactical astuteness is brilliant."
