The B.C. government has introduced new legislation aimed at cracking down on organized crime and ensuring criminals can’t keep the profits of illegal activity.

The proposed Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act would update the province’s civil forfeiture laws and is intended to make the process more fair, clear and efficient, while strengthening the province’s ability to seize assets linked to unlawful activity.

“Today, we’re introducing amendments to strengthen British Columbia’s civil forfeiture law — ensuring that those who profit from crime cannot keep their unlawful gains,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“These changes will give law enforcement stronger tools to target criminal proceeds, disrupt organized crime and reinvest recovered funds into initiatives that support victims and improve public safety in communities across British Columbia.”

Civil forfeiture allows the province to seek the forfeiture of assets obtained through unlawful activity, even if there is no criminal prosecution.

Funds recovered are directed toward crime prevention programs, victim services and community safety initiatives across the province.

Since it was established, the Civil Forfeiture Office has recovered more than $221 million in unlawfully acquired assets.

Of that, more than $93 million has been invested in crime prevention and community safety grants, including funding for specialized police training and equipment, as well as $1.7 million in victims’ compensation.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.