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Prosecuting Organised Crime

Drug trafficking, people trafficking, use of firearms, money laundering, internet crime, fraud, serious robbery and organised vehicle crime at home and internationally, are all dealt with by the Organised Crime Division. A specialist team of experienced prosecutors, the Organised Crime Division work closely with the police and international law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice.

Find out how we refer crimes to the Organised Crime Division

Proceeds of crime

When the trial is over and the offender convicted, specialist lawyers in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – along with other criminal justice agencies – go after any ill-gotten gains. It may take months or even years to achieve but in 2008 the CPS was involved in recovering £136 million of criminal assets and a further £12 million was returned to the victims of crime by way of compensation.

Find out more about how we go after the proceeds of crime:

Proceeds of Crime Confiscation & Ancillary Orders - Post POCA
Proceeds of Crime Confiscation & Ancillary Orders - Pre POCA
Proceeds of Crime Enforcement
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 General Guidance
Proceeds of Crime Investigative Powers and Cash Seizure
Proceeds of Crime Money Laundering
Proceeds of Crime Restraint and Management Receivers

Prosecuting crimes involving drugs

The legal restrictions placed on the use of controlled drugs are aimed at preventing drug abuse. The principal offences relating to the misuse of controlled drugs are contained in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Find out more about prosecution policy for drug offences

Guide for Prosecutors to the Drug Interventions Programme

Home » News Centre » Press Statements » CPS Statement in response to the HMCPSI report into its Organised Crime Division

CPS Statement in response to the HMCPSI report into its Organised Crime Division

30/09/2009

Following the publication of the HMCPSI Report into the CPS Organised Crime Division (OCD), Peter Lewis, Chief Executive of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "I am delighted with this report which recognises the quality of the team at CPS Organised Crime Division. OCD deals with some of our largest and most complex cases, which often span international borders. It is a tribute to the hard work, expertise and commitment of every member of that team, both here and overseas. This report underscores the excellence of the specialised casework divisions that we have developed at the CPS over the last few years."

Alison Saunders, Head of the CPS Organised Crime Division, said:  "I welcome this report and the recognition by the Inspectorate of the division's high quality decision making, the regard in which it is held by our partner agencies and the excellence and professionalism of our staff, including those working abroad.

"The CPS Organised Crime Division was set up to provide a centre of excellence for cases involving some of the most serious crime and its proceeds, including drugs offences, human trafficking, immigration, counterfeiting, money laundering and the confiscation of criminals' assets. It deals exclusively with cases investigated by the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), and our lawyers work closely with SOCA during the investigation of cases, as well as during the prosecution process.

"Where recommendations have been made to further improve the service we provide, we will work as a matter of priority to address these."

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