Money laundering and civil forfeiture
Last updated on April 9, 2024The B.C. government is targeting organized crime through a new tool to seize proceeds of crime, such as fast cars, glamourous homes and luxury goods.
Measures in place
Unexplained Wealth Orders: Unexplained wealth orders are a type of court order that will require a person to explain in court to a judge how they acquired their assets. An unexplained wealth order can be issued if the court finds there is a reason to suspect a person is involved in illegal activities or the court believes the person is (or is affiliated with) a politically exposed foreign person, such as the head of a government agency, a head of state, or a judge of a supreme court of another country.
The use of unexplained wealth orders will help government address common money laundering techniques, such as hiding assets with family members or associates, and remove the benefits of participating in organized crime.
To learn about B.C. issuing explained wealth orders, see:
- Minister's statement on unexplained wealth order related to luxury goods (March 27, 2024)
- Minister's statement on filing the next unexplained wealth order (December 14, 2023)
- Minister's statement on filing the first unexplained wealth order (November 30, 2023)