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Proceeds of Crime Act

Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 gives courts the power to freeze bank accounts and seize savings and assets of people convicted for prostitution offences. The burden of proof is reversed so people have to prove that any money they have was not earned through “criminal activity”. Police and the Crown Prosecution Service keep a proportion (18% respectively) of any money and assets seized. Prosecutions for brothel-keeping and other prostitution charges have risen since POCA indicating that police profiteering is fuelling raids and arrests.

For an explanation of the prostitution laws and sex workers’ rights under them see Know Your Rights – A Guide for Sex Workers

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