Pubdate: Fri, 21 Oct 2005
Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Williams Lake Tribune
Contact:  http://www.wltribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

CRIME WON'T PAY

The B.C. government has introduced new legislation to help ensure
crime doesn't pay.

Solicitor General John Les says the primary target of Bill 13, the
Civil Forfeiture Act, is crime gangs.

"Grow-ops, credit card fraud, telemarketing scams - these kinds of
things are often run by organized criminals who launder their profits
through business, real estate and other investments," Les said. "The
Civil Forfeiture Act gives us the power to take criminals to court and
seize any asset acquired with the proceeds of illegal activity."

Money recovered will be paid into a special account and used to
compensate crime victims, fund crime prevention programs, and pay for
the costs of administering the act, Les said.

B.C. is the fifth Canadian province to introduce civil forfeiture
legislation.

It has already been enacted in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and
Ontario. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake