Search and Seizure Warrant Under Proceeds of Crime

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, s.352

Warrant: Yes
Force: Yes
Notice: No

A judge may issue a search and seizure warrant under section 352 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has benefited from criminal conduct and that there is material on the premises which is likely to be of substantial value to the investigation. The warrant authorises a constable or accredited financial investigator to enter and search the premises, and to seize and retain relevant material.

Conditions

The application must be made to a Crown Court judge (or High Court judge in certain cases)
There must be reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has benefited from criminal conduct
The material sought must be likely to be of substantial value to the investigation
It must not be practicable to obtain the material by other means (such as a production order)

Limitations

Legally privileged material may not be seized
The warrant must specify the premises and, so far as practicable, the material sought
Seized material must be retained in accordance with the Act and returned if no proceedings follow
The warrant does not authorise repeated entries unless expressly stated

Last updated 24 September 2026