John Harrison KC & Shahid Choudhury Secure Return of HMRC Seized Gold Within 48 Hours of Airport Seizure

John Harrison KC, instructed by Shahid Choudhury of Middleweeks Solicitors, successfully opposed HMRC’s application under section 303L of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court. HMRC sought to extend the detention of listed assets worth £640,000, comprising gold jewellery re-imported into the UK through Manchester Airport and seized on declaration.

John Harrison KC argued that there were no reasonable grounds to conclude that the items were recoverable property, intended for use in unlawful conduct, or that continued detention was justified. The District Judge accepted John’s submissions and was not satisfied that further detention was necessary. The jewellery was returned to the client within 48 hours of it being seized.

John Harrison KC regularly represents both Respondents and Interested Parties in all areas of Civil Recovery & Restraint including Civil Forfeiture, Investigation Orders, Restraint Proceedings, Cash Seizure, Enforcement Proceedings, Confiscation Proceedings, Civil Recovery, Account Freezing, Money Laundering Advice and Crown Court POCA. For more information, or to instruct John Harrison KC, please contact Director of Clerking, David Wright.