Proceeds of Crime Program Proves Crime Doesn't Pay

The Department of Justice's Provincial Proceeds of Crime unit has secured its first forfeiture.

The vehicle of an impaired driver convicted of multiple impaired driving offences has been acquired by the unit, which has been operating since April.

Criminal Code offences prosecuted provincially, such as fraud, theft and impaired driving, are investigated by the unit. Through a court order, the unit seizes property obtained, directly or indirectly, through crime and offence-related property.

"This program is meant to deter criminals from engaging in illegal activity," said Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry. "The work of this integrated unit is an excellent example of the collaboration between the government and law enforcement agencies to fight crime in our communities."

The four-investigator unit, two RCMP officers and two municipal police officers, has a dedicated Crown attorney through the Public Prosecution Service. The investigators, based in Halifax, serve all of Nova Scotia.

The department has partnered with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal to manage the goods acquired. Most property will be sold through public auction.

Revenues gained from the program will go in the overall Department of Justice budget and will be invested in crime prevention and support for victims of crime.