'We relentlessly pursue criminals': West Midlands Police reveals how much 'dirty money' the force has taken from convicted criminals and how the money will be spent
Police tell how they have pursued West Midlands criminals through the courts to recover 'dirty money' - and reveal how many milllions they have clawed back and how the money will be spent
Almost £4 million of ill-gotten gains have been recovered by police officers pursuing criminals for their 'dirty money' in 2025.
West Midlands Police has clawed back the money through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
Their Economic Crime Unit and County Lines Taskforce have pursued more than 210 confiscation or forfeiture orders through the courts during 2025, and strong evidence has led to rulings for over £3.9 million to be handed over, meaning jailed criminals have not only lost their freedom but also any future financial benefit.
The money that police recoup is reinvested into safety initiatives and community projects via the Government, the Crown Prosecution Service and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: "This just shows how we relentlessly pursue criminals. We will put them behind bars for many years and then ensure they can't financially benefit from their crimes in future.
"We've recovered significant sums of illegally acquired money over the last year. We'll continue to do so and prove crime doesn't pay."
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, who allocates proceeds of crime seized from criminal activity, said: “I’m pleased to see the huge impact of West Midlands Police’s Economic Crime Unit and County Lines Taskforce throughout the past 12 months as they’ve recovered almost £4 million.
“I’d like to pass on my thanks to officers for their relentless work to ensure that crime does not pay.
“Through cash seized from criminal activity, I’ve managed to reinvest and allocate £330,000 to a whole host of different community groups via the My Community Fund initiative.
“From youth hubs and boxing clubs, to supporting the vulnerable, I know first-hand just how big a difference this money makes to people and groups across the West Midlands.”
