The Proceeds of Crime Act, 2000 - The Bahamas Laws On-Line ...

CH.93 – 2]PROCEEDS OF CRIME13. Avoidance of contracts.14. Provision of information by defendant.Subsequent Proceedings15. Protection of third party rights.16. Reconsideration of case.17. Revised assessment of proceeds of criminal conduct.18. Reconsideration, etc., supplementary.19. Increase in realisable property.20. Inadequacy of realisable property.Absconded Persons, etc.21. Confiscation order where defendant has absconded or died.22. Variation of order made against absconder.PART IIIENFORCEMENT OF CONFISCATION ORDERS23. Imprisonment in default.24. Interest on unpaid sums.Default PowersRestraint and Charging Orders25. Cases in which restraint and charging orders may be made.26. Restraint orders.27. Charging orders.28. Charging orders, supplementary.Realisation of Property29. Realisation of property.30. Application of proceeds of realisation, etc.31. Exercise of powers for the realisation of property.32. Receivers supplementary.Insolvency33. Bankruptcy of defendant.34. Winding up of company holding realisable property.PART IVINFORMATION GATHERING POWERS35. Production orders.36. Failure to comply with production order.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS LRO 1/2008

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 337. Search warrants.38. Disclosure of information by Government Departments.39. Monitoring order.PART VMONEY LAUNDERINGOffences40. Concealing, transferring or dealing with the proceeds of criminalconduct.41. Assisting another to conceal proceeds of criminal conduct.42. Acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of criminal conduct.43. Disclosure of knowledge or suspicion of money laundering.44. Tipping-off.Penalties45. Penalties for money laundering, etc.46. Seizure and detention of cash.47. Forfeiture orders and appeals.48. Seizure supplementary.PART VISEIZURE OF CASHPART VIIMISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTALForeign Orders, etc.49. Enforcement of external confiscation orders.50. Registration of external confiscation orders.51. Evidence of corresponding law.Offences and Police Powers, etc.52. Confiscated Assets Fund.53. Administration of the Fund.54. Offences by bodies corporate.55. Police powers, etc.56. Police officer’s duty of confidentiality.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––LRO 1/2006STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 5CHAPTER 93PROCEEDS OF CRIMEAn Act to empower the Police, Customs and theCourts in relation to money laundering, search, seizureand confiscation of the proceeds of crime and forconnected purposes.[Commencement 29th December, 2000]Act.PART IPRELIMINARYIntroductory1. This Act may be cited as the Proceeds of Crime2. This Act shall apply to any property, whether ornot situated in The Bahamas.Interpretation3. In this Act —“criminal conduct” means —(a) drug trafficking, or(b) any relevant offence;“drug trafficking” means doing or being concernedin, whether in The Bahamas or elsewhere, anyact constituting—(a) a drug trafficking offence, or(b) an offence punishable under acorresponding law, and includes enteringinto or being otherwise concerned in,whether in The Bahamas or elsewhere, adrug trafficking arrangement;44 of 2000S.I. 128/200125 of 200414 of 2007Short title.Application.Meaning of drugtrafficking,relevant offence,criminal conduct.LRO 1/2008STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 6]PROCEEDS OF CRIMECh. 228.Ch. 228.Ch. 228.Ch. 228.Ch. 293.S.I. 128/2001.Ch. 228.“drug trafficking arrangement” means anarrangement whereby —(a) the retention or control by or on behalf ofanother person of the proceeds of drugtrafficking is facilitated; or(b) the proceeds of drug trafficking are to beused to secure funds to be placed at thatother person’s disposal or are used toacquire property for that other person’sbenefit;“drug trafficking offence” means any of thefollowing —(a) an offence of cultivating, trading orimporting raw opium, coca leaves, Indianhemp and other controlled drugs underParts II, III and IV of the Dangerous DrugsAct;(b) an offence of manufacturing, selling orusing prepared opium under section 8(a) ofthe Dangerous Drugs Act or incontravention of any rule made undersection 10 of the Dangerous Drugs Act;(c) an offence of exporting or importing adangerous drug contrary to section 14(7) or15(6) of the Dangerous Drugs Act;(d) an offence of possession with the intent tosupply under section 22(1) or supplyingunder section 23(2) of the DangerousDrugs Act;(e) an offence relating to dangerous drugsunder section 115 or 116(e) of the CustomsManagement Act;(f) an offence under section 40, 41 or 42 ofthis Act (money laundering) which relatesto the proceeds of drug trafficking;(g) aiding, abetting, counselling or procuringthe commission of any of the offences inparagraph (a) to (e);(h) an offence under section 29(5) or 30 of theDangerous Drugs Act or attempting,soliciting, inciting or conspiring, to commitany of the offences in paragraphs (a) to (e);STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS LRO 1/2008

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 11(b) communications between a counsel andattorney and his client or between suchcounsel and attorney and any other personmade in connection with or incontemplation of legal proceedings and forthe purpose of such proceedings,when they are in the possession of a personwho is entitled to possession of them; but itemsheld resulting from criminal conduct or withthe intention of furthering a criminal purposeare not items subject to legal privilege:Provided that the legal privilege shall notextend to information regarding the identityand address of the client or principal;“material” includes any book, document or otherrecord in any form whatsoever, and anycontainer or article relating thereto;“money laundering” means doing any act —(a) which constitutes an offence under section40, 41 or 42; or(b) which would constitute such an offence ifdone in The Bahamas,and for these purposes, having possession ofany property shall be taken to be doing an actin relation to it;“premises” includes any place and in particularincludes —(a) any building, vehicle, vessel, aircraft, oroffshore structure; and(b) any tent or movable structure;“prescribe” means prescribe by regulations madeunder section 61.8. (1) For the purposes of this Act —(a) proceedings for an offence are instituted in TheBahamas when a complaint has been made or aformal charge has been laid before a Magistratein accordance with section 54 of the CriminalProcedure Code Act;(b) proceedings in The Bahamas for an offence areconcluded on the occurrence of one of thefollowing events —(i) the conviction of the defendant;Institution andconclusion ofproceedings.Ch. 91.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 12]PROCEEDS OF CRIME(ii) the discontinuance of the proceedings;(iii) the acquittal of the defendant;(iv) the quashing of the defendant’s convictionfor the offence;(v) the satisfaction of a confiscation ordermade in the proceedings;(c) an application under section 16, 17, 19 or 21 isconcluded —(i) if the court decides not to make or vary (asthe case may be) a confiscation orderagainst the defendant, when it makes thatdecision; or(ii) if a confiscation order is made or varied asa result of that application, when the orderis satisfied;(d) a confiscation order is satisfied when no amountis due under it.(2) For the purposes of this Act an order is subjectto appeal until an appeal is heard and determined or(disregarding any power of a court to grant leave to appealout of time) the period of time fixed by law for such appealhas expired without an appeal having been lodged.Confiscationorders, drugtrafficking.PART IICONFISCATION ORDERSConfiscation orders9. (1) Upon conviction for one or more drugtrafficking offences committed after the coming intooperation of this Act, a person shall, in addition to anypenalty prescribed by any law for that offence, be liable atthe time of sentencing in respect of that conviction to havea confiscation order made against him relating to theproceeds of drug trafficking including any propertyrepresenting such proceeds and all gifts made under section6(1).(2) The court shall first determine whether thedefendant has benefited from drug trafficking.(3) For the purposes of this Act, a person hasbenefited from drug trafficking if he has at any time —(a) since the date of commencement of this Act; orSTATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 13(b) since the beginning of the period of six yearsending when proceedings were instituted againsthim,received any payment or other reward in connection withdrug trafficking carried on by him or another person.(4) If the court determines that he has so benefited,it shall in addition to sentencing or otherwise dealing withhim in respect of the offence or (as the case may be) any ofthe offences concerned, make a confiscation order anddetermine the amount to be recovered in his case under theorder.(5) The court shall then, in respect of the offence oroffences concerned —(a) order the defendant to pay the amount of theconfiscation order within such period as it mayspecify; and(b) make a forfeiture order under section 33 of theDangerous Drugs Act, 2000.(6) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.10. (1) Upon conviction for one or more relevantoffences committed after the coming into operation of thisAct, a person shall, in addition to any penalty prescribed byany law for that offence be liable at the time of sentencingin respect of that conviction or at any time thereafter tohave a confiscation order made against him relating toproperty obtained from the commission of such relevantoffence and all gifts made under subsection 6(1).(2) Before making a confiscation order the courtshall first determine whether the defendant has benefitedfrom —(a) the offence or offences for which he is to besentenced (“the principal offences”); and(b) any relevant offences which the court will betaking into consideration in determining hissentence for the principal offence.(3) For the purposes of this Act —(a) a person benefits from a relevant offence if heobtains property as a result of or in connectionwith its commission and his benefit is the valueof any property so obtained; andCh. 228.Confiscationorders, relevantoffences.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 14]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEAssessingproceeds of drugtrafficking.(b) if he derives a pecuniary advantage as a result ofor in connection with its commission and hisbenefit is the amount of or the value of thepecuniary advantage of an offence, he is to betreated as if he had obtained instead a sum ofmoney equal to the value of the pecuniaryadvantage.(4) If the court determines that the defendant hasbenefited from the offences mentioned in subsection (2), itshall make a confiscation order and determine the amountto be recovered under the order.(5) The court shall —(a) order the defendant to pay the amount of theconfiscation order within such period as it mayspecify; and(b) order to be forfeited to the Crown any money,aircraft or vessel or other thing includingpremises which has been used in thecommission of or in connection with an offenceunder this Act and any money or other propertyreceived or possessed by any person as a resultof an offence under this Act.(6) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.11. (1) For the purposes of this Act —(a) any payments or other rewards received by aperson at any time —(i) since the date of commencement of thisAct; or(ii) since the beginning of the period of sixyears, ending when proceedings wereinstituted against him,in connection with drug trafficking carried onby him or another person are his proceeds ofdrug trafficking; and(b) the value of his proceeds of drug trafficking isthe aggregate of the value of the payments orother rewards.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 15(2) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), the court shallmake the required assumptions for the purpose —(a) of determining whether the defendant hasbenefited from drug trafficking; and(b) if he has, of determining the value of hisproceeds of drug trafficking.(3) The required assumptions are —(a) that any property shown to the court —(i) to have been held by the defendant; or(ii) to have been transferred to him at any timesince the beginning of the period of sixyears ending when the proceeding wasinstituted against him,was received by him as a payment or reward inconnection with drug trafficking carried on byhim;(b) that any expenditure of his since the beginningof that period was met out of payments receivedby him in connection with drug traffickingcarried on by him;(c) that, for the purpose of valuing any propertyreceived or assumed to have been received byhim at any time as such a reward, he receivedthe property free of other interests in it.(4) The court shall not make any of the requiredassumptions in relation to any particular property orexpenditure if that assumption is shown to be incorrect inthe defendant’s case and where the court by virtue of thissubsection does not make one of the required assumptionsit shall state its reasons in writing.(5) Subsection (2) does not apply if the only offencein respect of which the defendant appears before the courtfor sentencing is an offence under section 40, 41 or 42relating to the proceeds of drug trafficking.(6) For the purpose of assessing the value of theproceeds derived by the defendant from drug trafficking ina case where a confiscation order has previously beenmade against him (under this Act) the court shall leave outof account any such proceeds that are shown to the court tohave been taken into account in determining the amount tobe recovered under the previous order.S.I. 128/2001.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––LRO 1/2002STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 16]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEStatements.(7) For the purposes of this Act, a person hasbenefited from drug trafficking if he has at any time —(a) since the date of commencement of this Act; or(b) since the beginning of the period of six yearsending when proceedings were instituted againsthim,received any payment or other reward in connection withdrug trafficking carried on by him or another person.(8) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.12. (1) Where the court proceeds under section 9 or10 the Police or the Attorney-General shall give the court astatement (a “prosecutor’s statement”) of matters which heconsiders relevant in connection with assessing the valueof the defendant’s proceeds of drug trafficking or thebenefit from any relevant offence.(2) Where any prosecutor’s statement has beengiven the court may require the defendant, within suchperiod as it may direct —(a) to indicate the extent to which he accepts theallegations in the statement; and(b) so far as he does not accept any such allegation,to give particulars of any matters on which heproposes to rely,and the court may for the purposes of the determinationand assessment mentioned in subsection (1) treat anyacceptance by the defendant as conclusive of the matters towhich it relates.(3) To the extent that the defendant fails in anyrespect to comply with a requirement under subsection (2),he may be treated for the purposes of this section asaccepting every allegation in the statement.(4) Where —(a) there is tendered to the court by the defendant astatement as to any matters relevant todetermining the amount that might be realised atthe time the confiscation order is made; and(b) the Police or the Attorney-General accepts toany extent any allegation in the statement,the court may, for the purposes of that determination, treatthat as conclusive of the matters to which it relates.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS LRO 1/2002

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 17(5) An allegation may be accepted or a matterindicated for the purposes of this section either orallybefore the court or in writing.(6) No acceptance by the defendant under thissection that proceeds have been derived by him from drugtrafficking or from any relevant offence shall be admissiblein evidence in any other proceedings for an offence.(7) For the purposes of this Act, a person hasbenefited from drug trafficking if he has at any time —(a) since the date of commencement of this Act; or(b) since the beginning of the period of six yearsending when proceedings were instituted againsthim,received any payment or other reward in connection withdrug trafficking carried on by him or another person.(8) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.13. A court may —(a) prior to making a confiscation order undersections 9 and 10; and(b) in the case of property in respect of which arestraint order was made under section 26 andserved on persons affected by the order inaccordance with section 26(4),set aside any conveyance or transfer of the property thatoccurred after the seizure of the property or the service ofnotice of the order on persons affected by the order undersection 26(4), unless the conveyance or transfer was forvaluable consideration to a person acting in good faith andwithout notice.14. (1) For the purpose of obtaining information toassist it in carrying out its functions in relation to making aconfiscation order, the court may order the defendant togive it such information in such manner and before suchdate as may be specified in the order.(2) If the defendant fails to comply with any orderunder this section, the court may draw such inference fromthat failure as it considers appropriate.Avoidance ofcontracts.Provision ofinformation bydefendant.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 18]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEProtection ofthird partyrights.(3) Where the Police or the Attorney-Generalaccepts to any extent any allegation made by the defendantin giving to the court information required under thissection the court may treat that acceptance as conclusive ofthe matters to which it relates.(4) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.Subsequent Proceedings15. (1) Where an application is made for aconfiscation order, a person who asserts an interest in anyproperty subject to that order may apply to the court beforethe confiscation order is made, for an order undersubsection (2).(2) If a person applies to the court for an orderunder this subsection in respect of his interest in realisableproperty and the court is satisfied —(a) that he was not in any way involved in thedefendant’s criminal conduct; and(b) that he acquired the interest —(i) for sufficient consideration; and(ii) without knowing, and in circumstancessuch as not to arouse a reasonablesuspicion, that the property was, at thetime he acquired it, property that wasinvolved in or was the proceeds ofcriminal conduct,the court shall make an order declaring the nature, extentand value (as at the time the order is made) of his interest.(3) Subject to subsection (4), where a confiscationorder has already been made, a person who asserts aninterest in the property may apply under this subsection tothe court for an order under subsection (2).(4) Except with the leave of the court, anapplication shall not be made under subsection (3) —(a) by a person —(i) who had knowledge of the application fora confiscation order before the order wasmade; orSTATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 19(ii) who appeared at the hearing of thatapplication; or(b) later than 28 days beginning with the day onwhich the confiscation order was made.(5) A person who makes an application undersubsection (1) or (3) shall give not less than seven days’written notice of the making of the application to theAttorney-General who shall be a party to any proceedingson the application.(6) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.16. (1) This section applies where a defendant hasappeared before a court to be sentenced in respect of one ormore drug trafficking or relevant offences but the court hasnot made a confiscation order under section 9 or 10.(2) If the Attorney-General has evidence which wasnot previously available but which he believes would haveled the court to determine that the defendant had benefitedfrom drug trafficking or from any relevant offence he maymake an application to the court.(3) On such an application the court shall considerthe evidence and if satisfied that the defendant had sobenefited, the court shall make a confiscation order andorder the payment of such as it thinks just in all thecircumstances of the case, including in particular theamount of any fine or other orders for payment imposed onthe defendant in respect of the offence or offences inquestion.(4) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.17. (1) This section applies where the court hasmade a determination of the amount to be recovered undera confiscation order (“the current determination”).(2) Where the Attorney-General is of the opinionthat the real value of the defendant’s proceeds of drugtrafficking or benefit from any relevant offence was greaterthan their assessed value, he may apply to the court for theevidence on which he has formed his opinion to beconsidered by the court.Reconsiderationof case.Revisedassessment ofproceeds ofcriminal conduct.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 20]PROCEEDS OF CRIME(3) If, having considered the evidence, the court issatisfied that the real value of the defendants proceeds ofdrug trafficking or benefit from any relevant offences isgreater than their assessed value (whether because the realvalue at the time of the current determination was higherthan was thought or because the value of the proceeds orbenefit in question has subsequently increased), the courtshall make a fresh determination of the amount to berecovered under a confiscation order.(4) In subsections (2) and (3) —“assessed value” means the value of the defendant’sproceeds of drug trafficking or benefit from anyrelevant offence as assessed by the court; and“real value” means —(a) the value of the defendant’s proceeds ofdrug trafficking which took place in theperiod by reference to which the currentdetermination was made or in any earlierperiod; or(b) the value of his benefit from any of therelevant offences mentioned in section10(2).(5) Any determination by virtue of this section shallbe by reference to the amount that might be realised at thetime when the determination is made.(6) For the avoidance of doubt, section 11(6) shallnot apply in relation to any of the defendant’s proceeds ofdrug trafficking taken into account in respect of the currentdetermination.(7) If, as a result of making the fresh determinationrequired by subsection (3), the amount to be recoveredexceeds the amount set by the current determination, thecourt may substitute for the amount to be recovered underthe confiscation order such greater amount as it thinks justin all the circumstances of the case.(8) Where the court varies a confiscation order byvirtue of this section it shall substitute for the term ofimprisonment in default fixed under section 23(1) inrespect of the amount to be recovered under the order suchlonger term as may be determined in accordance with thatsection in respect of the greater amount to be recoveredunder the order as varied.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 21(9) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.18. (1) On an application under section 16 or 17, thecourt may take into account any payment or other rewardreceived by the defendant or any property obtained by thedefendant on or after the date —(a) of the conviction;(b) of the subsection (2) determination (in the caseof an application under section 16);(c) of the current determination (in the case of anapplication under section 17),but only if the Attorney-General shows that it was by thedefendant in connection with drug trafficking carried on orwith any relevant offence committed, on or before thatdate.(2) In considering any evidence which relates to anypayment or reward in relation to drug trafficking to whichsubsection (1) applies, the court shall not make theassumptions which would otherwise be required by section11.(3) No application shall be entertained by the courtunder section 16 or 17 if it is made after the end of theperiod of six years beginning with the date on which thedefendant was convicted, or where the application relatesto more than one conviction, the date of the latestconviction.(4) Sections 12 and 14 apply, with suchmodifications as may be necessary, in relation toapplications under sections 16 and 17 as they apply inrelation to proceedings under sections 9 and 10.19. (1) This section applies where, the amountwhich a person is ordered to pay under a confiscation orderis less than the amount assessed to be his proceeds of drugtrafficking or benefit from relevant offences (as the casemay be).(2) If on an application made —(a) by the Police or the Attorney-General; or(b) by a receiver appointed under section 26 or 29 inrelation to the realisable property of the personin question,Reconsideration,etc.,supplementary.Increase inrealisableproperty.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 22]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEInadequacy ofrealisableproperty.the court is satisfied that the amount that might be realisedin the case of the person in question is greater than theamount taken into account in making the confiscation order(whether it was greater than was thought when the orderwas made or has subsequently increased), the court shallissue a certificate to that effect giving its reasons.(3) Where a certificate has been issued theAttorney-General may apply to the court for an increase inthe amount to be recovered under the confiscation order;and on that application the court may —(a) substitute for that amount such amount notexceeding the amount assessed as the valuereferred to in subsection (1) as appears to thecourt to be appropriate having regard to theamount now shown to be realisable; and(b) increase the term of imprisonment fixed inrespect of the confiscation order under section23(1) if the effect of the substitution is toincrease the maximum period applicable inrelation to the order under that section.20. (1) If, on an application made in respect of aconfiscation order —(a) by the defendant; or(b) by a receiver appointed under section 26 or 29,the court is satisfied that the realisable property isinadequate for the payment of any amount remaining to berecovered under the order, the court shall issue a certificateto that effect, giving its reasons.(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) —(a) in the case of realisable property held by aperson who has been adjudged bankrupt, thecourt shall take into account the extent to whichany property held by him may be distributedamong creditors; and(b) the court may disregard any inadequacy in therealisable property which appears to the court tobe attributable wholly or partly, to anythingdone by the defendant for the purpose ofpreserving any property held by a person towhom the defendant had, directly or indirectly,made a gift caught by this Act from any risk ofrealisation under this Act.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 23(3) Where a certificate has been issued undersubsection (1), the person who applied for it may apply tothe court which made the confiscation order for the amountto be recovered under the order to be reduced.(4) The court shall, on an application undersubsection (3) —(a) substitute for the amount to be recovered underthe order such lesser amount as the court thinksjust in all the circumstances of the case; and(b) substitute for the term of imprisonment indefault fixed under section 23(1) in respect ofthe amount to be recovered under the order ashorter term if such is determined in accordancewith that section in respect of the lesser amountto be recovered under the order as varied.(5) Any person appearing to the court to be likely tobe affected by any exercise of its powers under this sectionshall be entitled to appear before the court and makerepresentations.Absconded Persons, etc.21. (1) Where a person has been convicted of one ormore drug trafficking or relevant offences, on theapplication of the Attorney-General the court may make aconfiscation order against him if satisfied that he hasabsconded or died.(2) Where proceedings for one or more drugtrafficking or relevant offences have been instituted but notconcluded, on the application of the Attorney-General thecourt may make a confiscation order against the defendantif satisfied that he has absconded, but shall not do so untilafter the period of six months beginning with the datewhich is, in the opinion of the court, the date on which thedefendant absconded.(3) In any proceedings under this section —(a) section 11(2) shall not apply;(b) section 12 shall apply with the omission ofsubsections (2) to (6):Confiscationorder wheredefendant hasabsconded ordied.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 24]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEVariation oforder madeagainstabsconder.(c) the court shall not make a confiscation orderagainst a defendant unless it is satisfied that theAttorney-General has taken reasonable steps tocontact him; and(d) any person appearing to the court to be likely tobe affected by the making of a confiscationorder shall be entitled to appear before the courtand make representations.(4) Where an application has been made to the courtunder this section in relation to a defendant who hasabsconded and the court has decided not to make aconfiscation order against him, section 16 shall not apply atany time while he remains an absconder.22. (1) Where a confiscation order is made by virtueof section 21(2) and the defendant ceases to be anabsconder, he may apply to the court for a variation of theamount to be recovered under the order.(2) If on such an application the court is satisfiedthat the value of the defendant’s proceeds of drugtrafficking in the period by reference to which thedetermination in question was made, or the value of hisbenefit from relevant offences, or the amount that mighthave been realised at the time the order was made, was lessthan the amount ordered to be paid under the confiscationorder, the court —(a) may if it considers it just in all the circumstancesreduce the amount to be recovered under theconfiscation order; and(b) if it does so, shall reduce the term ofimprisonment in default in accordance withsection 23(1).(3) Where the court reduces the amount to berecovered under a confiscation order it may, on theapplication of a person who held property which wasrealisable property, order compensation to be paid to him ifsatisfied that he has suffered loss as a result of the makingof the confiscation order and if, having regard to all thecircumstances of the case, it considers it appropriate to doso.(4) No application shall be entertained by the courtif it is made after the end of six months beginning on theday on which the confiscation order was made.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 25PART IIIENFORCEMENT OF CONFISCATION ORDERSDefault Powers23. (1) Notwithstanding section 223 of the CriminalProcedure Code Act where the court orders the defendantto pay an amount under a confiscation order it shall inaddition direct him to be imprisoned in default of paymentof any amount under the confiscation order as follows —(a) if the amount does not exceed $20,000 for aterm not exceeding 2 years;(b) if the amount exceeds $20,000 but does notexceed $50,000, for a term not exceeding 3years;(c) if the amount exceeds $50,000 but does notexceed $100,000, for a term not exceeding 4years: and(d) if the amount exceeds $100,000, for a term notexceeding 5 years.(2) Where —(a) a warrant to commit the defendant to prison isissued for a default in payment of an amountordered to be paid under a confiscation order inrespect of an offence or offences; and(b) at the time the warrant is issued the defendant isliable to serve any term of imprisonment inrespect of the offence or offences,the term of imprisonment to be served, in default ofpayment of the amount shall not begin to run until after theterm mentioned in paragraph (b).(3) Where a defendant serves a term ofimprisonment in default of paying any amount due under aconfiscation order, his serving that term does not preventthe confiscation order from continuing to have effect, sofar as any other method of enforcement is concerned.(4) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.24. (1) If any sum required to be paid by a personunder a confiscation order is not paid when it is required tobe paid, that person shall be liable to pay interest on thatImprisonment indefault.Ch. 91.Interest onunpaid sums.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 26]PROCEEDS OF CRIMECases in whichrestraint andcharging ordersmay be made.sum for the period for which it remains unpaid; and theamount of interest shall for the purposes of enforcement,be treated as part of the amount to be recovered from himunder the confiscation order.(2) The court may, on the application of theAttorney-General, increase the term of imprisonment fixedin respect of the confiscation order if the effect ofsubsection (1) is to increase the maximum periodapplicable in relation to the order under section 23(1).(3) The rate of interest under subsection (1) shall bethat for the time being applying to a judgment debt.(4) For the purposes of this section “court” meansthe court before which the defendant was convicted.Restraint and Charging Orders25. (1) The powers conferred on the court by section26 to make a restraint order and by section 27 to make acharging order are exercisable where —(a) proceedings have been instituted against thedefendant for a drug trafficking or relevantoffence or an application has been made inrespect of the defendant under section 16, 17, 19or 21;(b) the proceedings have not, or the application hasnot been concluded;(c) the court is satisfied that there is reasonablecause to believe —(i) in the case of an application under section17 or 19 of this Act, that the court will besatisfied as mentioned in section 17(3) or19(2); or(ii) in any other case, that the defendant hasbenefited from drug trafficking or fromany relevant offence (as the case may be).(2) The court shall not exercise the powers referredto in subsection (1) if it is not intended to proceed with theprosecution.(3) The court may also exercise the powers referredto in subsection (1) where —STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 27(a) a person is to be charged with a drug trafficking orrelevant offence or an application as mentioned insubsection (1)(a,) is to be made; and(b) the court is satisfied as mentioned in subsection(1)(c).(4) For the purposes of sections 26 and 27, at anytime when those powers are exercisable before proceedingshave been instituted —(a) references in this Act to the defendant shall beconstructed as references to the person referredto in subsection (3)(a); and(b) references in this Act to realisable property shallbe construed as if, immediately before that time,proceedings had been instituted against theperson referred to in subsection (2) for a drugtrafficking or relevant offence.(5) Where the court has made a restraint or chargingorder by virtue of subsection (3), the court shall dischargethe order if proceedings in respect of the offence are notinstituted, or if the application is not made, within suchtime as the court considers reasonable.26. (1) The court may make a restraint order toprohibit any person from dealing with any realisableproperty, subject to such conditions and exceptions as maybe specified in the order.(2) A restraint order may apply —(a) to all realisable property held by a specifiedperson, whether the property is described in theorder or not; and(b) to realisable property held by a specified person,being property transferred to him after themaking of the order.(3) This section shall not have effect in relation toany property for the time being subject to a charge undersection 27 of this Act.(4) An application for a restraint order —(a) shall be made by the Police or the Attorney-General;(b) shall be made on an ex-parte application to aJudge in chambers; andRestraint orders.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 28]PROCEEDS OF CRIMECharging orders.(c) shall provide for notice of the order to be servedon persons affected by the order.(5) A restraint order —(a) may, on the application of any person affectedby the order be discharged or varied in relationto any property; and(b) shall be discharged when proceedings for theoffence are concluded.(6) Where the court has made a restraint order, thecourt —(a) may at any time appoint a receiver —(i) to take possession of any realisableproperty; and(ii) in accordance with the directions of thecourt, to manage or otherwise deal withany property in respect of which he isappointed,subject to such exceptions and conditions asmay be specified by the court; and(b) may require any person having possession ofproperty in respect of which the receiver isappointed under this section to give possessionof it to the receiver.(7) For the purposes of this section, dealing withproperty held by any other person includes (withoutprejudice to the generality of the expression)(a) where a debt is owed to that person, making apayment to any person in reduction of theamount of the debt; and(b) removing the property from The Bahamas.(8) Where the court has made a restraint order, apolice officer may seize any realisable property for thepurpose of preventing its removal from The Bahamas; andproperty so seized shall be dealt with in accordance withthe directions of the court.27. (1) For the purposes of this Act, a charging orderis an order made under this section imposing on any suchrealisable property as may be specified in the order acharge for securing the payment of money to the Crown.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 29(2) The court may make a charging order —(a) where a confiscation order has been made of anamount not exceeding the amount payable underthe confiscation order; and(b) where a confiscation order has not been made,of an amount equal to the value from time totime of the property charged.(3) A charging order —(a) shall only be made an application by the Policeor the Attorney-General; and(b) shall be made on an ex-parte application to aJudge in chambers.(4) Subject to subsection (6), a charge may beimposed by a charging order only on —(a) any interest in realisable property, which is aninterest held beneficially by the defendant or bya person to whom the defendant has directly orindirectly made a gift caught by this Act —(i) in any chargeable asset; or(ii) under any trust; or(b) any interest in realisable property held by aperson as trustee of a trust if the interest is in achargeable asset or is an interest under anothertrust and a charge may, by virtue of paragraph(a), be imposed by a charging order on thewhole beneficial interest under the firstmentionedtrust.(5) In this section —(a)“chargeable asset” means any of the followingsituated in The Bahamas or outside TheBahamas —(i) any land or premises;(ii) any relevant securities;(iii) any motor vehicle;(iv) any vessel;(v) any aircraft;(vi) any monies held by or deposited with abank or other financial institution;––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 30]PROCEEDS OF CRIMECharging orders,supplementary.(vii) any other type of asset which the Ministerof Finance may prescribe for the purposesof this section; and(b)“relevant securities” means any of the following —(i) securities of any government or of anypublic authority;(ii) stock of any body corporate;(iii) stock of any body incorporated outsideThe Bahamas or of any country outsideThe Bahamas;(iv) options in relation to stock described insubparagraph (ii) or (iii);(v) a debt instrument;(vi) shares in any mutual fund.(6) In any case where a charge is imposed by acharging order on any interest in any relevant security, thecourt may provide for the charge to extend to any interestor dividend payable in respect of them.(7) Where the court has made a charging order, thecourt may give such directions to such person as the courtthinks fit to safeguard the assets under the charging order.(8) The court —(a) may, on the application of any person affectedby the charging order, make an orderdischarging or varying it; and(b) shall make an order discharging the chargingorder if the proceedings for the offence areconcluded or on payment into court of theamount which is secured by the charge.28. (1) A charging order may be made eitherabsolutely or subject to conditions including in particularconditions —(a) as to notifying any person holding any interest inthe property to which the order relates; or(b) as to the time when the charge is to becomeenforceable.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 31(2) Notice of any confiscation or charging ordermade under the provisions of this Act or of any forfeitureorder made under the provisions of the Dangerous DrugsAct, 2000 shall be deposited in the office of the RegistrarGeneral for recording and registration in accordance withsection 3 of the Registration of Records Act.(3) Subject to any provision made under section 29,a charge imposed by a charging order shall have the likeeffect and shall be enforceable in the same manner as anequitable charge created by the person holding thebeneficial interest or, as the case may be, the trustees bywriting under their hand.Realisation of Property29. (1) The court may, on an application by theAttorney-General, exercise the powers conferred by thissection, where a confiscation order has been made and it isneither satisfied nor subject to appeal.(2) The court may appoint a receiver in respect ofrealisable property.(3) The court may empower the receiver appointedunder this section or section 26 or in pursuance of acharging order —(a) to enforce any charge imposed under section 27on realisable property or on interest or dividendspayable in respect of such property; and(b) in relation to any realisable property other thanproperty for the time being subject to a chargeunder section 27, to take possession of theproperty subject to such conditions or exceptionsas may be specified by the court.(4) The court may order any person havingpossession of realisable property to give possession of it tothe receiver.(5) The court may empower the receiver to realiseany realisable property in such manner as the court maydirect.(6) The court —(a) may order any person holding an interest inrealisable property to make such payment to thereceiver in respect of any beneficial interest heldby the defendant or, as the case may be, therecipient of a gift caught by this Act as the courtmay direct; andS.I. 128/2001.Ch. 228.Ch. 187.Realisation ofproperty.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––LRO 1/2002STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 32]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEApplication ofproceeds ofrealisation, etc.(b) may, on the payment being made, by ordertransfer, grant or extinguish any interest in theproperty.(7) Subsections (4) to (6) shall not apply to propertyfor the time being subject to a charge under section 27 ofthis Act.(8) The court shall not in respect of any propertyexercise the powers conferred by subsection (3)(a), (5) or(6) unless a reasonable opportunity has been given forpersons holding any interest in the property to makerepresentations to the court.(9) Where any property is of a perishable ordepreciable nature the court may direct that such propertybe sold forthwith, either by public auction or by privatetreaty and that the proceeds of the sale be retained in abank account until such time has the matter has been dealtwith.30. (1) The following sums in the hands of thereceiver pursuant to section 26 or 29 or in pursuance of acharging order —(a) the proceeds of the enforcement of any chargeimposed under section 27;(b) the proceeds of the realisation, other than by theenforcement of such a charge, of any propertyunder section 26 or 29; and(c) any other sums being property held by thedefendant,shall, after such payments (if any) as the court may directhave been made out of those sums, be applied on thedefendant’s behalf towards the satisfaction of theconfiscation order.(2) If, after the amount payable under the confiscationorder has been fully paid, any such sums remain in the handsof the receiver, he shall distribute those sums —(a) among such of those who held property whichhas been realised under this Act; and(b) in such proportions,as the court may direct after giving a reasonableopportunity for such persons to make representations tothe court.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS LRO 1/2002

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 3331. (1) This section shall apply to the powersconferred on the court by sections 26 to 30 or on thereceiver pursuant to section 26 or 29 or in pursuance of acharging order.(2) Subject to subsections (3) to (6), the powersshall be exercised with a view to making available forsatisfying the confiscation order or (as the case may be)any confiscation order that may be made in the defendant’scase, the value for the time being of realisable propertyheld by any person by the realisation of such property.(3) In the case of realisable property held by aperson to whom the defendant has, directly or indirectly,made a gift caught by this Act, the powers shall beexercised with a view to realising no more than the valuefor the time being of the gift.(4) The powers shall be exercised with a view toallowing any person other than the defendant or therecipient of any such gift to retain or recover the value ofany property held by him.(5) In exercising those powers, no account shall betaken of any obligations of the defendant or of the recipientof any such gift which conflict with the obligation tosatisfy the confiscation order.32. (1) Where a receiver appointed under section 26or 29 or in pursuance of a charging order —(a) takes any action in relation to property which isnot realisable property, being action which hewould be entitled to take if it were suchproperty; and(b) believes and has reasonable grounds forbelieving, that he is entitled to take that action inrelation to that property,he shall not be liable to any person in respect of any loss ordamage resulting from his action, except in so far as theloss or damage is caused by his negligence.(2) Any amount due in respect of the remunerationand expenses of a receiver so appointed shall be paid out ofthe Consolidated Fund or the Confiscated Assets Fund.Exercise ofpowers for therealisation ofproperty.Receiverssupplementary.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 34]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEBankruptcy ofdefendant.Ch. 69.Ch. 69.Ch. 69.Ch. 69.Insolvency33. (1) Where a person who holds realisableproperty is adjudged bankrupt —(a) property for the time being subject to a restraintorder made before the order adjudging himbankrupt; and(b) any proceeds of property realised by virtue ofsection 26(6) or 29(5) or (6) for the time beingin the hands of a receiver appointed undersection 26 or 29,shall be excluded from the bankrupt’s estate for thepurposes of the Bankruptcy Act.(2) Where a person has been adjudged bankrupt, thepowers conferred on the court by sections 26 to 30 or on areceiver shall not be exercised in relation to property forthe time being comprised in the property of the bankruptfor the purposes of the Bankruptcy Act.(3) Nothing in the Bankruptcy Act shall be taken asrestricting, or enabling the restriction of, the exercise ofthose powers referred to in subsection (2).(4) Subsection (2) shall not affect the enforcementof a charging order —(a) made before the order adjudging the personbankrupt; or(b) on property which was subject to a restraintorder when the order adjudging him bankruptwas made.(5) Where, in the case of a debtor, the receiverconstituted by virtue of section 11 of the Bankruptcy Actor an interim receiver stands appointed and any property ofthe debtor is subject to a restraint order —(a) the powers conferred on the receiver by virtue ofthat Act shall not apply to property for the timebeing subject to the restraint order; and(b) any such property in the hands of the receivershall, subject to a lien for any expenses(including his remuneration) properly incurredin respect of the property, be dealt with in suchmanner as the court may direct.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 35(6) Where a person is adjudged bankrupt and hasdirectly or indirectly made a gift caught by this Act —(a) no order shall be made by virtue of section 71 ofthe Bankruptcy Act in respect of the making ofthe gift at any time when —(i) proceedings for the drug trafficking orrelevant offence have been institutedagainst him and have not been concluded;(ii) an application has been made in respect ofthe defendant under section 18, 19, 21 or22 of this Act and has not been concluded;or(iii) property of the person to whom the giftwas made is subject to a restraint order ora charging order; and(b) any order made by virtue of section 71 of theBankruptcy Act after the conclusion of theproceedings shall take into account anyrealisation under this Act of property held by theperson to whom the gift was made.34. (1) Where realisable property is held by acompany and an order for the winding up of the companyhas been made or a resolution has been passed by thecompany for the voluntary winding up, the functions of theliquidator shall not be exercisable in relation to —(a) property for the time being subject to a restraintorder made before the relevant time; and(b) any proceeds of property realised by virtue ofsection 26(6) or 29(5) or (6) for the time beingin the hands of a receiver appointed undersection 26 or 29,but there shall be payable out of such property anyexpenses (including the remuneration of the liquidator)properly incurred in the winding up in respect of theproperty.(2) Where, in the case of a company such an orderhas been made or such a resolution has been passed, thepowers conferred on the court by sections 26 to 30 or on areceiver so appointed shall not be exercised in relation toany realisable property held by the company in relation towhich the functions of the liquidator are exercisable —Ch. 69.Ch. 69.Winding up ofcompany holdingrealisableproperty.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 36]PROCEEDS OF CRIMECh. 308.Ch. 309.Ch. 308.Ch. 309.Ch. 308.Ch. 54.(a) so as to inhibit him from exercising thosefunctions for the purpose of distributing anyproperty held by the company to the company’screditors; or(b) so as to prevent the payment out of any propertyof expenses (including the remuneration of theliquidator) properly incurred in the winding upin respect of the property.(3) Nothing in the Companies Act or theInternational Business Companies Act shall be taken asrestricting, or enabling the restriction of, the exercise ofthose powers referred to in subsection (2).(4) Subsection (2) shall not affect the enforcementof a charging order made before the relevant time or onproperty which was subject to a restraint order at therelevant time.(5) In this section —“company” means any company which may bewound up under the Companies Act or theInternational Business Companies Act;“liquidator” includes any person appointed to theoffice of liquidator (whether provisionally orotherwise) under the Companies Act;“the relevant time” means —(a) where no order for the winding up of thecompany has been made, the time of the passingof the resolution for voluntary winding up;(b) where —(i) such an order has been made; but(ii) before the presentation of the petition forthe winding up of the company by courtorder, such a resolution had been passedby the company,the time of the passing of the resolution; and(c) in any other case where such an order has beenmade the time of the making of the order.(6) Notwithstanding the Magistrates Act and anyother law, a Magistrate’s Court shall have the power tomake a confiscation order relating to property under PartsII and III of this Act.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 37PART IVINFORMATION GATHERING POWERS35. (1) For the purpose of an investigation into —(a) drug trafficking;(b) whether any person has benefited from criminalconduct; or(c) the whereabouts of any proceeds of criminalconduct,a police officer of or above the rank of Inspector may applyto a Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate for an order undersubsection (2) (a “production order”) in relation toparticular material or material of a particular description.(2) Where a Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate issatisfied by evidence on oath that there is reasonable causeto believe that any person is in possession of material inrespect of which a drug trafficking offence or relevantoffence has been committed he may grant an order (a“production order) to such police officer ordering suchperson to produce such material immediately or at suchplace and time as the Magistrate may specify in the orderand, if necessary, such police officer may enter and searchfor such material at any place in any part of The Bahamas,by force if necessary, at any time by day or night.(3) If such material be produced or found, suchpolice officer shall bring the same and the person orpersons in whose possession such place or places then maybe, or any person in any such place reasonably suspected ofbeing privy to such material being therein, before theMagistrate appointed to preside over the court havingjurisdiction in the district in which such production orderwas executed.(4) Where the material, to which an applicationunder this section relates consists of information containedin or accessible by means of a computer a production orderunder subsection (2) shall have effect as an order toproduce the material in a form in which it can be takenaway and in which it is visible and legible.(5) A production order —(a) shall not confer any right to production of, oraccess to, items subject to legal privilege;(b) shall have effect notwithstanding any obligationas to confidentiality or other restriction upon theProductionorders.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 38]PROCEEDS OF CRIMECh. 316.Ch. 351.Ch. 316.Ch. 351.Ch. 105.Ch. 105.Failure tocomply withproductionorder.disclosure of information imposed by the Banks andTrust Companies Regulation Act, the Central Bankof The Bahamas Act, any other statute or otherwiseand shall not give rise to any civil liability; and(c) may be made in relation to material in thepossession of a Government Department(excluding the Financial Intelligence Unit):Provided however that where a productionorder requires information which is restrictedunder the Banks and Trust CompaniesRegulations Act and the Central Bank of TheBahamas Act, application shall be made exparteto a Judge in chambers.(6) A police officer may photograph or make copiesof any material produced or to which access is given underthis section.(7) Where the investigation into whether a personhas benefited from criminal conduct or the whereabouts ofthe proceeds of criminal conduct relates to a relevantoffence which was not committed in The Bahamas, anapplication under subsection (1) shall not be made unlessthe provisions of section 6 of the Criminal Justice(International Co-operation) Act, 2000 have been compliedwith.(8) Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (InternationalCo-operation) Act, 2000 shall apply for the purposes ofthis section and section 39.(9) A production order shall be admissible in anycourt as proof of the contents therein.36. (1) Where a person is required by a productionorder to produce any material to a police officer or give apolice officer access to any material, the person shall beguilty of an offence under this section if he —(a) contravenes the order; or(b) in purported compliance with the order producesor makes available any material known to theperson to be false or misleading in a materialparticular without —(i) indicating to the police officer to whomthe material is produced or made availablethat the material is false or misleading andthe respect in which the material is false ormisleading; andSTATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 39(ii) providing correct information to the policeofficer if the person is in possession of, orcan reasonably acquire, the correctinformation.(2) A person guilty of an offence under this sectionshall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment forthree years or a fine of $25,000 or both.37. (1) For the purpose of an investigation into —(a) drug trafficking;(b) whether any person has benefited from criminalconduct; or(c) the whereabouts of any proceeds of criminalconduct,a police officer may apply to the Magistrate’s Court for awarrant under this section in relation to specified premises.(2) On such an application, the court may issue awarrant authorising a police officer to enter and search thepremises if the court is satisfied —(a) that a production order made in relation tomaterial on the premises has not been compliedwith;(b) that the conditions in subsection (3) are fulfilled;or(c) that the conditions in subsection (4) are fulfilled.(3) The conditions referred to in subsection (2)(b)are —(a) that there are reasonable grounds for suspectingthat a specified person has carried on drugtrafficking or has benefited from criminalconduct;(b) that the conditions in section 35(4) are fulfilledin relation to any material on the premises; and(c) that it would not be appropriate to make an orderunder that section in relation to the materialbecause —(i) it is not practicable to communicate withany person entitled to produce the material;Search warrants.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 40]PROCEEDS OF CRIME(ii) it is not practicable to communicate withany person entitled to grant access to thematerial or entitled to grant entry to thepremises on which the material is situated;or(iii) the investigation for the purposes of whichthe application is made might be seriouslyprejudiced unless a police officer couldsecure immediate access to the material.(4) The conditions referred to in subsection (2)(c)are —(a) that there are reasonable grounds for suspectingthat a specified person has carried on drugtrafficking or has benefited from criminalconduct;(b) that there are reasonable grounds for suspectingthat there is on the premises any such materialrelating —(i) to the specified person;(ii) to drug trafficking;(iii) to the question whether that person hasbenefited from criminal conduct; or(iv) to any question as to the extent orwhereabouts of any proceeds of criminalconduct,as is likely to be of substantial value (whether byitself or together with other material) to theinvestigation for the purpose of which theapplication is made, but that the material cannotat the time of the application be particularised;and(c) that —(i) it is not practicable to communicate withany person entitled to grant entry to thepremises;(ii) entry to the premises will not be grantedunless a warrant is produced; or(iii) the investigation for the purposes of whichthe application is made might be seriouslyprejudiced unless a police officer arrivingat the premises could secure immediateentry to them.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 41(5) Where a police officer has entered premises inthe execution of a warrant issued under this section, hemay seize and retain any material, which is likely to be ofsubstantial value (whether by itself or together with othermaterial) to the investigation for the purpose of which thewarrant was issued.(6) A police officer may photograph or make copiesof any material seized under this section.(7) A person who hinders or obstructs a policeofficer in the execution of a warrant issued under thissection is guilty of an offence and liable on summaryconviction to imprisonment for two years or a fine of$10,000 or both.(8) Where the investigation into whether a personhas benefited from criminal conduct or the whereabouts ofthe proceeds of criminal conduct relates to a relevantoffence which was not committed in The Bahamas anapplication under subsection (1) shall not be made unlessthe provisions of section 6 of the Criminal Justice(International Co-operation) Act, 2000 have been compliedwith.38. (1) Subject to subsection (4), a court may, on anapplication by the Attorney-General, order any materialmentioned in subsection (3) which is in the possession of aGovernment Department to be produced to the court withinsuch period as the court may specify.(2) The power to make an order under subsection(1) is exercisable if —(a) the powers conferred on the court to make arestraint order or a charging order areexercisable by virtue of section 25(1); or(b) those powers are exercisable by virtue of section25(3) and the court has made a restraint orcharging order which has not been discharged,but where the power to make an order under subsection (1)is exercisable by virtue only of paragraph (b), section 25(4)shall apply for the purposes of this section as it applies forthe purposes of sections 26 and 27.(3) The material referred to in subsection (1) is anymaterial which —(a) has been submitted to an officer of aGovernment Department by the defendant or bya person who has at any time held propertywhich was realisable property;Ch. 105.Disclosure ofinformation byGovernmentDepartments.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 42]PROCEEDS OF CRIME(b) has been made by an officer of a GovernmentDepartment in relation to the defendant or such aperson; or(c) is correspondence which passed between anofficer of a Government Department and thedefendant or such a person,and an order under that subsection may require theproduction of all such material or of a particulardescription of such material, in the possession of the bodyconcerned.(4) An order under subsection (1) shall not requirethe production of any material unless it appears to the courtthat the material is likely to contain information that wouldfacilitate the exercise of the powers conferred on the courtby section 26, 27 or 29 or on a receiver appointed undersection 26 or 29 or in pursuance of a charging order.(5) The court may by order authorise the disclosureto such a receiver of any material produced undersubsection (1) or any part of such material but the courtshall not make an order under this subsection unless areasonable opportunity has been given for an officer of theGovernment Department to make representations to thecourt.(6) Material disclosed in pursuance of an orderunder subsection (5) may, subject to any conditionscontained in the order, be further disclosed far the purposesof the functions under this Act of the receiver or the court.(7) The court may by order authorise the disclosureto a police officer of any material produced undersubsection (1) or any part of such material but the courtshall not make an order under this subsection unless —(a) a reasonable opportunity has been given for anofficer of the Government Department to makerepresentations to the court; and(b) it appears to the court that the material is likelyto be of substantial value in exercising functionsrelating to criminal conduct.(8) Material disclosed in pursuance of an orderunder subsection (7) may, subject to any conditionscontained in the order, be further disclosed for the purposesof functions relating to criminal conduct.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 43(9) Material may be produced or disclosed inpursuance of this section notwithstanding any obligation asto confidentiality or other restriction upon the disclosure ofinformation imposed by statute or otherwise.(10) An order under subsection (1) and, in the case ofmaterial in the possession of a Government Department, aproduction order, may require any officer of theGovernment Department (whether named in the order ornot) who may for the time being be in possession of thematerial concerned to comply with it, and such an ordershall be served as if the proceedings were civil proceedingsagainst the Department.(11) For the purposes of this section “GovernmentDepartment” includes —(a) a government corporation or any other statutorybody;(b) such other bodies as the Minister responsible forthe Police may prescribe for the purposes of thissection.(12) The provision of information under this sectionshall not be treated as a breach of any restriction upon thedisclosure of information imposed by the Banks and TrustsCompanies Regulation Act, the Central Bank of TheBahamas Act, any other statute or otherwise and shall notgive rise to any civil liability.39. (1) A police officer may apply to a Judge inchambers on an ex-parte application for an order (a“monitoring order”) directed to any police officer of orabove the rank of Inspector directing a bank or trustcompany to give to such officer information obtained bythe institution in respect of transactions conducted throughan account or accounts held by such person with theinstitution.(2) A Judge shall make a monitoring order where heis satisfied by evidence on oath that there is reasonablecause to believe that a person —(a) has committed or is about to commit a drugtrafficking offence or a relevant offence;(b) was involved in the commission or is about to beinvolved in the commission of such an offence;orCh. 316.Ch. 351.Monitoringorder.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 44]PROCEEDS OF CRIMECh. 316.Ch. 351.Ch. 316.(c) has benefited directly or indirectly or is about tobenefit directly or indirectly from thecommission of such an offence.(3) A monitoring order shall apply in relation totransactions conducted during the period specified in theorder, commencing not earlier than the day on whichnotice of the order is given to the banking institution andending not later than three months after the day on whichthe order is made.(4) A monitoring order shall specify —(a) the name or names in which the account isbelieved to be held if available;(b) the nature and extent of the information whichthe institution is required to give; and(c) the manner in which the information is to begiven.(5) A person who knowingly —(a) contravenes a monitoring order; or(b) provides false or misleading information inpurported compliance with the order,shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summaryconviction to imprisonment for three years or a fine of$25,000 or both.(6) A reference in this section to a transactionconducted through an account includes a reference —(a) to the making of a fixed term deposit;(b) to the transfer of an amount so deposited or anypart of it at the end of the term; and(c) to the existence or use of a deposit box held bythe institution.(7) The provision of information to a police officerby virtue of a monitoring order shall not be treated as abreach of any restriction upon the disclosure of informationimposed by the Banks and Trust Companies RegulationAct, the Central Bank of The Bahamas Act, any otherstatute or otherwise and shall not give rise to any civilliability.(8) In this section “banking institution” includes —(a) any bank licensed under the Banks and TrustCompanies Regulation Act;STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 45(b) any person or body of persons referred to insection 3 of the Financial TransactionsReporting Act, 2000; and(c) such other institutions as the Minister of Financemay prescribe for the purposes of this section.(9) A monitoring order shall be admissible in anycourt as proof of the contents therein.(10) A monitoring order may be varied or dischargedby the court on application made by the banking institutionto which such order is directed.PART VMONEY LAUNDERINGOffences40. (1) A person is guilty of an offence of moneylaundering if he —(a) uses, transfers, sends or delivers to any person orplace any property which, in whole or in partdirectly or indirectly represents his proceeds ofcriminal conduct; or(b) disposes, converts, alters or otherwise deals within any manner and by any means that property,with the intent to conceal or disguise such property.(2) A person is guilty of an offence of moneylaundering if, knowing, suspecting or having reasonablegrounds to suspect that any property in whole or in partdirectly or indirectly represents, another person’s proceedsof criminal conduct, he —(a) uses, transfers, sends or delivers to any person orplace that property; or(b) disposes of or otherwise deals with in anymanner by any means that property,with the intent to conceal or disguise such property.(3) In this section the references to concealing ordisguising any property include references to concealing ordisguising its nature, source, location, disposition,movement or ownership or any rights with respect to it.Ch. 368.Concealing,transferring ordealing with theproceeds ofcriminal conduct.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 46]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEAssisting anotherto concealproceeds ofcriminal conduct.41. (1) Subject to subsection (3), a person is guiltyof an offence if he enters into or is otherwise concerned inan arrangement whereby —(a) the retention or control by or on behalf ofanother persons (“A”) of A’s proceeds ofcriminal conduct is facilitated (whether byconcealment, removal from the jurisdiction,transfer to nominees or otherwise); or(b) A’s proceeds of criminal conduct —(i) are used to secure that funds are placed atA’s disposal; or(ii) are used for A’s benefit to acquireproperty,and he knows, suspects, or has reasonable grounds tosuspect that A is a person who is or has been engaged in orhas benefited from criminal conduct.(2) Where a person discloses in good faith to apolice officer a suspicion or belief that any funds orproperty are derived from or used in connection withcriminal conduct, or any matter on which such a suspicionor belief is based —(a) the disclosure shall not be treated as a breach ofany restriction upon the disclosure ofinformation imposed by statute or otherwise andshall not give rise to any civil liability; and(b) if he does any act in contravention of subsection(1) and the disclosure relates to the arrangementconcerned, he does not commit an offence underthis section if —(i) the disclosure is made before he does theact concerned and the act is done with theconsent of the police officer; or(ii) the disclosure is made after he does theact, but is made on his initiative and assoon as it is reasonable for him to make it.(3) In proceedings against a person for an offenceunder this section, it is a defence to prove —(a) that he did not know, suspect or have reasonablegrounds to suspect that the arrangement relatedto any person’s proceeds of criminal conduct;(b) that he did not know, suspect or have reasonablegrounds to suspect that by the arrangement theSTATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 47retention or control by or on behalf of A of anyproperty was facilitated or, as the case may be,that by the arrangement any property was usedas mentioned in subsection (1)(b); or(c) that —(i) he intended to disclose to a police officersuch a suspicion, belief or matter as ismentioned in subsection (2) in relation tothe arrangement; but(ii) there is reasonable excuse for his failure tomake any such disclosure in the mannermentioned in subsection (2)(b).(4) In the case of a person who was in employmentat the time in question, subsections (2) and (3) shall haveeffect in relation to disclosures and intended disclosures tothe appropriate person in accordance with any procedureestablished by his employer for the making of suchdisclosures as they have effect in relation to disclosures,and intended disclosures, to a police officer.42. (1) A person is guilty of an offence if, knowing,suspecting or having reasonable grounds to suspect thatany property is, or in whole or in part directly or indirectlyrepresents, another person’s proceeds of criminal conduct,he acquires or uses that property or has possession of it.(2) Where a person discloses information to a policeofficer in good faith that any property is, or in whole or inpart directly or indirectly represents the proceeds ofcriminal conduct —(a) the disclosure shall not be treated as a breach ofany restriction upon the disclosure ofinformation by statute or otherwise and shall notgive rise to any civil liability; and(b) if he does any act in relation to the property incontravention of subsection (1), he does notcommit an offence under this section if —(i) the disclosure is made before he does theact in question and the act is done with theconsent of the police officer; or(ii) the disclosure is made after he does theact, but is made on his initiative and assoon as it is reasonable for him to make it.Acquisition,possession or useof proceeds ofcriminal conduct.14 of 2007.14 of 2007, s.2.LRO 1/2008STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 48]PROCEEDS OF CRIME14 of 2007, s. 2.14 of 2007, s. 2.(3) For the purposes of this section, havingpossession of any property shall include doing an act inrelation to it.(4) In proceedings against a person for an offenceunder this section, it is a defence to prove that he intendedto disclose to a police officer such a belief or matter as ismentioned in subsection (2) and there is reasonable excusefor his failure to make any such disclosure in the mannermentioned in subsection (2)(b).(5) In the case of a person who was in employmentat the time in question, subsections (2) and (4) shall haveeffect in relation to disclosures and intended disclosures, tothe appropriate person in accordance with any procedureestablished by his employer as they have effect in relationto disclosures, and intended disclosures, to a police officer.(6) No police officer or other person shall be guiltyof an offence under this section in respect of anything doneby him in the course of acting in connection with theenforcement, or intended enforcement, of any provision ofthis Act or of any other statutory provision relating to drugtrafficking or relevant offences or the proceeds of criminalconduct.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS LRO 1/2008

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 4943. (1) Where a person in good faith discloses to apolice officer —(a) his suspicion or belief that another person isengaged in money laundering; or(b) any information or other matter on which thatsuspicion or belief is based,the disclosure shall not be treated as a breach of anyrestriction upon the disclosure of information imposed bystatute or otherwise and shall not give rise to any civilliability.(2) A person is guilty of an offence if —(a) he knows, suspects or has reasonable grounds tosuspect and fails to disclose to the FinancialIntelligence Unit or to a police officer thatanother person is engaged in money launderingwhich relates to any proceeds of drug traffickingor any relevant offence;(b) the information, or other matter, on which thatknowledge or suspicion is based came to hisattention in the course of his trade, profession,business or employment; and(c) he does not disclose the information or othermatter to a police officer as soon as isreasonably practicable after it comes to hisattention.(3) A person shall not be required under subsection(2) to disclose information or to produce a document whichhe would be entitled to refuse to disclose or to produce onthe grounds of legal professional privilege except that acounsel and attorney may be required to provide the nameand address of his client or principal.(4) It is a defence to a charge of committing anoffence under this section that the person charged had areasonable excuse for not disclosing the information orother matter in question.(5) Any disclosure made by a person who was inemployment at the time in question to the appropriateperson in accordance with any procedure established by hisemployer shall be treated, for the purposes of this section,as a disclosure to a police officer.(6) For the purposes of this section, any informationor other matter comes to a counsel and attorney inprivileged circumstances if it is communicated or given tohim —Disclosure ofknowledge orsuspicion ofmoneylaundering.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––LRO 1/2006STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 50]PROCEEDS OF CRIMETipping-off.(a) by, or by a representative of, a client of his inconnection with the giving by the counsel andattorney of legal advice to the client;(b) by, or by a representative of, a person seekinglegal advice from the counsel and attorney; or(c) by any person —(i) in contemplation of, or in connection with,legal proceedings; and(ii) for the purpose of those proceedings;but no information or other matter shall be treated ascoming to a counsel and attorney in privilegedcircumstances if it relates to criminal conduct or iscommunicated or given with a view to furthering anycriminal purpose.44. (1 )A person is guilty of an offence if —(a) he knows, suspects or has reasonable grounds tosuspect that a police officer is acting, or isproposing to act, in connection with aninvestigation which is being, or is about to be,conducted into money laundering; and(b) he discloses to any other person information orany other matter which is likely to prejudice thatinvestigation or proposed investigation.(2) A person is guilty of an offence if —(a) he knows, suspects or has reasonable grounds tosuspect that a disclosure has been made to apolice officer or to an appropriate person undersection 41, 42 or 43; and(b) he discloses to any other person information orany other matter which is likely to prejudice anyinvestigation which might be conductedfollowing such a disclosure.(3) Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) makes it anoffence for a counsel and attorney to disclose anyinformation or other matter —(a) to, or to a representative of, a client of his inconnection with the giving of advice by thecounsel and attorney to the client; or(b) to any person —(i) in contemplation of, or in connection with,legal proceedings; andSTATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS LRO 1/2006

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 51(ii) for the purpose of those proceedings,but this subsection does not apply in relation to anyinformation or other matter which is disclosed relating tocriminal conduct or with a view to furthering any criminalpurpose.(4) In proceedings against a person for an offenceunder this section, it is a defence to prove —(a) that he did not know or suspect that thedisclosure was likely to prejudice theinvestigation; or(b) that he had lawful authority or reasonableexcuse for making the disclosure.(5) No police officer or other person shall be guiltyof an offence under this section in respect of anything doneby him in the course of acting in accordance with theenforcement, or intended enforcement, of any provision ofthis Act or of any other statutory provision relating tocriminal conduct or the proceeds of criminal conduct.Penalties45. (1) A person guilty of an offence under section40, 41 or 42 (money laundering) shall be liable —(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment forfive years or a fine of $100,000 or both; and(b) on conviction on information, to imprisonmentfor twenty years or an unlimited fine or both.(2) A person guilty of an offence under section 43or 44 shall be liable —(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment forthree years or a fine of $50,000 or both; or(b) on conviction on information, to imprisonmentfor ten years or an unlimited fine or both.(3) The court shall on conviction of an offenceunder sections 40, 41 and 42 order the property be forfeitedto the Crown.Penalties formoneylaundering, etc.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––LRO 1/2002STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 52]PROCEEDS OF CRIMESeizure anddetention of cash.S.I.128/2001.PART VISEIZURE OF CASH46. A police officer may seize and detain, inaccordance with this Part, any cash if the officer hasreasonable grounds for suspecting that it directly orindirectly represents any person’s proceeds of criminalconduct or is intended by any person for use in anycriminal conduct and any such person shall be chargedwith being in possession of such cash.(2) Cash seized by virtue of this section shall not bedetained by the police for more than ninety-six hoursunless its continued detention is authorised by an ordermade by a Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate and no suchorder shall be made unless the Stipendiary and CircuitMagistrate is satisfied —(a) that there are reasonable grounds for thesuspicion mentioned in subsection (1); and(b) that continued detention of the cash is justifiedwhile its origin or derivation is furtherinvestigated or consideration is given to theinstitution (whether in The Bahamas orelsewhere) of criminal proceedings against anyperson for an offence with which the cash isconnected.(3) Any order under subsection (2) shall authorisethe continued detention of the cash to which it relates forsuch period, not exceeding three months beginning withthe date of the order, as may be specified in the order and aStipendiary and Circuit Magistrate if satisfied as to thematters mentioned in that subsection may thereafter fromtime to time by order authorise the further detention of thecash but so that —(a) no period of detention specified in such an ordershall exceed three months beginning with thedate of the order; and(b) the total period of detention shall not exceed twoyears from the date of the order under subsection(2).(4) Any application for an order under subsection(2) or (3) shall be made by a police officer.(5) At any time while cash is detained by virtue ofthis section a Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate may directits release if satisfied —STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS LRO 1/2002

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 53(a) on an application made by the person fromwhom it was seized or a person by or on whosebehalf it was being imported or exported thatthere are no, or are no longer, any such groundsfor its detention as are mentioned in subsection(2); or(b) on an application made by any other person, thatdetention of the cash is not for that or any otherreason justified:Provided however that a police officer may releasethe cash before ninety-six hours if he is satisfied that itsdetention is no longer justified.(6) If at a time when any cash is being detained byvirtue of this section —(a) an application for its forfeiture is made undersection 47; or(b) proceedings are instituted (whether in TheBahamas, or elsewhere) against any person foran offence with which the cash is connected,the cash shall not be released until any proceedingspursuant to the application or, as the case may be, theproceedings for that offence have been concluded.47. (1) A Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate maymake an order (a “forfeiture order”‘) ordering the forfeitureof any cash which has been seized under section 46 ifsatisfied, on an application made by a police officer whilethe cash is detained under that section that the cash directlyor indirectly represents any person’s proceeds of, or benefitfrom, or is intended by any person for use in criminalconduct.(2) An order may be made under subsection (1)whether or not proceedings are brought against any personfor an offence with which the cash in question isconnected.(3) Any party to the proceedings in which aforfeiture order is made (other than the applicant) may,before the end of the period of thirty days beginning withthe date on which it is made, appeal to the Supreme Court.(4) An appeal under this section shall be by way ofrehearing, and the Supreme Court may make such order asit considers appropriate and, in particular, may order therelease of the cash (or any remaining cash) together withany accrued interest.Forfeiture ordersand appeals.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 54]PROCEEDS OF CRIMESeizuresupplementary.Enforcement ofexternalconfiscationorders.48. (1) Cash consisting of coins and bank-notesseized under this Part and detained for more than ninetysixhours shall where practicable, unless required asevidence of an offence, be held in an interest-bearingaccount, and the interest accruing on any such cash shall beadded to that cash on its forfeiture or release.(2) An order under section 46(2) shall provide fornotice to be given to persons affected by the order.(3) Without prejudice to the generality of anyexisting power to make rules, provision may be made byrules of court —(a) with respect to applications to any court underthis Part;(b) for the giving of notice of such applications topersons affected;(c) for the joinder of persons as parties; and(d) generally with respect to the procedure underthis Part before any court.(4) In this Part —“cash” means —(a) coins and bank-notes in any currency; and(b) negotiable instruments.PART VIIMISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTALForeign Orders, etc.49. (1) The Minister responsible for the Police may,by order —(a) direct in relation to a country outside TheBahamas designated by the order (a “designatedcountry”) that, subject to such modifications asmay be specified, this Act shall apply to externalconfiscation orders and to proceedings whichhave been or are to be instituted in thedesignated country and may result in an externalconfiscation order being made there;STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 55(b) make —(i) such provision in connection with thetaking of action in the designated countrywith a view to satisfying a confiscationorder;(ii) such provision as to evidence or proof ofany matter for the purposes of this sectionand section 50; and(iii) such incidental, consequential andtransitional provision,as appears to him to be expedient; and(c) without prejudice to the generality of thissubsection direct that, in such circumstances asmay be specified, proceeds arising out of actiontaken in the designated country with a view tosatisfying a confiscation order and which areretained there shall nevertheless be treated asreducing the amount payable under the order tosuch extent as may be specified.(2) An order under this section may make differentprovision for different cases or classes of cases.(3) The power to make an order under this sectionincludes power to modify this Act in such a way as toconfer power on a person to exercise a discretion.(4) In this section and section 50 —“external confiscation order” means an order madeby a court in a designated country for thepurpose —(a) of recovering property, or the value of suchproperty, obtained as a result of or inconnection with —(i) drug trafficking; or(ii) any offence listed in the Schedule tothis Act; or(b) of depriving a person of a pecuniaryadvantage so obtained;“modifications” includes additions, alterations andomissions.(5) An order under this section is subject to thenegative resolution procedure.Schedule.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 56]PROCEEDS OF CRIMERegistration ofexternalconfiscationorders.Evidence ofcorrespondinglaw.50. (1) On an application made by or on behalf of theGovernment of a designated country, the Supreme Court mayregister an external confiscation order made there if —(a) it is satisfied that at the time of registration theorder is in force and not subject to appeal;(b) it is satisfied, where the person affected by theorder did not appear in the proceedings, that hereceived notice of the proceedings in sufficienttime to enable him, to defend them; and(c) it is of the opinion that enforcing the order inThe Bahamas would not be contrary to theinterests of justice.(2) A confiscation order registered by the SupremeCourt under subsection (1) shall be enforceable in TheBahamas in the same manner as a confiscation order madeby a court in The Bahamas.(3) In subsection (1)(a), “appeal” includes —(a) any proceedings by way of discharging orsetting aside a judgment; and(b) an application for a new trial or a stay ofexecution.(4) The court shall cancel the registration of anexternal confiscation order if it appears to the court that theorder has been satisfied by payment of the amount dueunder it.51. A document purporting to be issued by or onbehalf of the Government of a country and purporting tostate the terms of a corresponding law in force in thatcountry shall be admitted in evidence, in proceedings underthis Act, on its production by the prosecution withoutfurther proof and such document shall be conclusiveevidence that —(a) it is issued by or on behalf of the Government ofthat country;(b) the terms of such law are as stated in thedocument;(c) any facts stated in the document to constitute anoffence under such law do constitute suchoffence.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 57Offences and Police Powers, etc.52. (1) There shall be established a fund to beknown as the Confiscated Assets Fund (“the Fund”).(2) There shall be paid into the Fund —(a) proceeds of criminal conduct recovered under aconfiscation order;(b) cash forfeited under Part VI;(c) money forfeited under section 33 of theDangerous Drugs Act, 2000;(d) money paid to the Government of The Bahamasby a foreign jurisdiction in respect ofconfiscated assets, whether under a treaty orarrangement providing for mutual assistance incriminal matters or otherwise.(3) The Minister of Finance may authorisepayments to be made out of the Fund —(a) for purposes related to —(i) law enforcement, including in particularthe investigation of suspected cases ofdrug trafficking and money laundering;(ii) treatment and rehabilitation of drugaddicts; and(iii) public education in relation to drugaddiction;(b) to satisfy an obligation of the Government ofThe Bahamas to a foreign jurisdiction in respectof confiscated assets, whether under a treaty orarrangement providing for mutual assistance incriminal matters or otherwise;(c) to meet the remuneration and expenses of areceiver appointed under this Act;(d) to pay compensation or costs awarded under thisAct;(e) to cover costs associated with administration ofthe Fund.53. (1) The moneys paid into the Fund shall beinvested in accordance with the Financial Administrationand Audit Act and the income earned from suchinvestments shall be paid into the Fund.ConfiscatedAssets Fund.Ch. 228.Administrationof the Fund.Ch.359––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 58]PROCEEDS OF CRIMEOffences bybodies corporate.Police powers,etc.Ch. 91.Police officer’sduty ofconfidentiality.(2) The financial year of the Fund shall end on 30June in each year.(3) The Minister of Finance shall cause properaccounts, and proper records in relation to the accounts, ofthe Fund to be kept, and shall cause to be prepared inrespect of each financial year a statement of the accountsof the Fund in such form as the Minister may direct.(4) Within three months after the end of eachfinancial year, the Minister shall send to the Auditor-General a copy of the statement of accounts for thatfinancial year.(5) The Auditor-General shall examine everystatement of accounts received by him under this sectionand shall make a report in writing on the statement to theMinister.(6) The Minister shall lay before each House ofParliament a copy of the Auditor-General’s report.54. Where a body corporate is guilty of an offenceunder this Act and that offence is proved to have beencommitted with the consent or connivance of any director,manager, secretary or other similar officer of the bodycorporate or any person who was purporting to act in anysuch capacity, he, as well as the body corporate, shall beguilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceededagainst and punished accordingly.55. (1) For the purposes of section 46, “policeofficer” includes any officer of the Customs Department atany port of entry or departure in The Bahamas.(2) A police officer may arrest without warrant anyperson whom he reasonably believes has committed anoffence under this Act.(3) An officer of the Customs Department may, inany case relating to the commission of an offence underthis Act, exercise all or any of the powers in relation toinvestigations into an offence which is arrestable withoutwarrant conferred on a police officer by the CriminalProcedure Code Act.56. (1) Except for the purpose of the performance ofhis duties or the exercise of his functions or when lawfullyrequired to do so by any court or under the provisions ofany enactment, no police officer shall disclose anySTATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 59information or matter which has been obtained by him inthe performance of his duties or the exercise of hisfunctions under this Act.(2) Any person who contravenes this section shallbe guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summaryconviction to imprisonment for one year or a fine of $2,000or both.Procedure57. (1) If following upon an investigation against aperson for a drug trafficking or relevant offence or offencesand any of the following circumstances occur —(a) proceedings are instituted against that person butdo not result in his conviction for any drugtrafficking or relevant offence; or(b) proceedings are instituted against that personand he is convicted of one or more drugtrafficking offence or relevant offence, but —(i) the conviction or convictions concernedare quashed; or(ii) he is granted a pardon in respect of theconviction or convictions concerned,the Supreme Court may, on application by a person whoheld property which was realisable property, ordercompensation to be paid to the applicant if, having regardto all the circumstances it considers it appropriate to makesuch an order.(2) The court shall not order compensation to bepaid unless it is satisfied —(a) that there has been some serious default on thepart of any person concerned in the investigationor prosecution of the offence or offencesconcerned; and(b) that the applicant has suffered loss inconsequence of anything done in relation to theproperty by, or in pursuance of a restraint orderor a charging order.(3) The court shall not order compensation to bepaid in any case where it appears to the court that theproceedings could have resulted in a conviction if theserious default had not occurred.Compensation.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––[Original Service 2001]STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 60]PROCEEDS OF CRIMECosts.(4) Without prejudice to subsection (1), where —(a) a disclosure is made by any person inaccordance with section 41 (2) in relation to anyproperty;(b) in consequence of the disclosure and for thepurposes of an investigation or prosecution inrespect of a drug trafficking offence or offencesany act is done or omitted to be done in relationto that property; and(c) no restraint order or charging order is made inrelation to that property,the court may, on application by a person who held theproperty, order compensation to be paid to the applicant if,having regard to all the circumstances, it considers itappropriate to make such an order.(5) The court shall not order compensation to bepaid under subsection (4) unless it is satisfied —(a) that there has been some serious default on thepart of any person concerned in the investigationor prosecution of the offence or offencesconcerned and that, but for that default, the actor omission referred to in subsection (4)(b)would not have occurred; and(b) the applicant has, in consequence of the act oromission referred to in subsection (4)(b),suffered loss in relation to the property.(6) The amount of compensation to be paid underthis section shall be such as the court thinks just in all thecircumstances of the case and in any case should notexceed $100,000.(7) Compensation ordered to be paid under thissection and section 22 shall be paid out of the ConsolidatedFund or the Confiscated Assets Fund.58. (1) Where —(a) a person brings, or appears at, court proceedingsunder this Act and endeavours —(i) to prevent a confiscation order or arestraint order or a charging order frombeing made against property of his; or(ii) to have property of his excluded from suchan order; andSTATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

PROCEEDS OF CRIME [CH.93 – 61(b) that person is successful in that endeavour; and(c) the court is satisfied that he was not in any wayinvolved in criminal conduct,then the court may by order declare that he is entitled to bepaid all reasonable costs incurred by him in connectionwith those proceedings, or such part of those costs as thecourt determines.(2) Costs payable by the Crown by virtue of adeclaration made by the court under subsection (1) shall bepaid out of the Confiscated Assets Fund.59. Any question of fact to be decided by theSupreme Court or the magistrate court in proceedingsunder this Act, except any question of fact that is for theprosecution to prove in any proceedings for an offenceunder this Act, shall be decided on a balance ofprobabilities.60. Any decision of a court in proceedings underthis Act except for proceedings under section 47 in relationto any offence committed under this Act, shall lie to theCourt of Appeal.Supplemental61. (1) Regulations may be made for prescribinganything which is required to be prescribed under this Actand generally for carrying out the purposes and provisionsof this Act —(a) by the Minister of Finance in relation to Part V;and(b) by the Minister responsible for the Police, in anyother case.(2) Regulations made under this section shall besubject to the negative resolution procedure.62. This Act binds the Crown, but not so as to makethe Crown capable of any criminal offence.Civil standard ofproof.Appeals.Regulations.Crownapplication.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––LRO 1/2006STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS

CH.93 – 62]PROCEEDS OF CRIME25 of 2004.SCHEDULE (Section 3)(1) An offence under the Prevention of Bribery Act,Chapter 88.(2) An offence under section 40, 41 or 42 of this Act(Money Laundering).(3) An offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act, Chapter107.(4) An offence which may be tried on information inThe Bahamas other than a drug trafficking offence.(5) An offence committed anywhere that, if it hadoccurred in The Bahamas, would constitute an offence in TheBahamas as set out in this Schedule.STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS LRO 1/2006