Captured statutory text (L5)
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(6)The court, sheriff or justice may make an order under subsection (1) if satisfied, in relation to the cryptoassets to be further detained, that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the cryptoassets are recoverable property or intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.
(7)The court or sheriff may make an order under subsection (4) if satisfied that a request for assistance is outstanding in relation to the cryptoassets to be further detained.
(8)A “request for assistance” in subsection (7) means a request for assistance in obtaining evidence (including information in any form or article) in connection with the cryptoassets to be further detained, made—
(a)by a judicial authority in the United Kingdom under section 7 of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003,
(b)by an enforcement officer, to an authority exercising equivalent functions in a foreign country,
(c)by the Scottish Ministers in connection with their functions under this Part, to an authority exercising equivalent functions in a foreign country, or
(d)by a person under section 375A or 408A (evidence overseas).
(9)An order under subsection (1) must provide for notice to be given to persons affected by the order.
Safekeeping of cryptoassets and cryptoasset-related items(303Z33)
(1)An enforcement officer must arrange for any item of property seized under section 303Z26 to be safely stored throughout the period during which it is detained under this Chapter.
(2)An enforcement officer must arrange for any cryptoassets seized under section 303Z29 to be safely stored throughout the period during which they are detained under this Chapter.
Release of cryptoassets and cryptoasset-related items(303Z34)
(1)This section applies while any cryptoasset or other item of property is detained under this Chapter.
(2)A magistrates’ court or (in Scotland) the sheriff may direct the release of the whole or any part of the property if the following condition is met.
(3)The condition is that the court or sheriff is satisfied, on an application by the person from whom the property was seized, that the conditions for the detention of the property in this Chapter are no longer met in relation to the property to be released.
(4)A person within subsection (5) may, after notifying the magistrates’ court, sheriff or justice under whose order property is being detained, release the whole or any part of the property if satisfied that the detention of the property to be released is no longer justified.
(5)The following persons are within this subsection—
(a)in relation to England and Wales and Northern Ireland, an enforcement officer;
(b)in relation to Scotland—
(i)the Scottish Ministers,
(ii)an officer of Revenue and Customs,
(iii)a constable, and
(iv)a procurator fiscal.
(6)If any cryptoasset-related item which has been released is not claimed within the period of a year beginning with the date on which it was released, an enforcement officer may—
(a)retain the item and deal with it as they see fit,
(b)dispose of the item, or
(c)destroy the item.
(7)The powers in subsection (6) may be exercised only—
(a)where the enforcement officer has taken reasonable steps to notify—
(i)the person from whom the item was seized, and
(ii)any other persons who the enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe have an interest in the item,
that the item has been released, and
(b)with the approval of a senior officer.
(8)Any proceeds of a disposal of the item are to be paid—
(a)into the Consolidated Fund if—
(i)the item was directed to be released by a magistrates’ court, or
(ii)a magistrates’ court or justice was notified under subsection (4) of the release;
(b)into the Scottish Consolidated Fund if—
(i)the item was directed to be released by the sheriff, or
(ii)the sheriff was notified under subsection (4) of the release.
CHAPTER 3DRecovery of cryptoassets: freezing ordersDefinitionsDefinitions(303Z35)
(1)In this Chapter—
(a)“cryptoasset exchange provider” means a firm or sole practitioner who by way of business provides one or more of the following services, including where the firm or sole practitioner does so as creator or issuer of any of the cryptoassets involved—
(i)exchanging, or arranging or making arrangements with a view to the exchange of, cryptoassets for money or money for cryptoassets,
(ii)exchanging, or arranging or making arrangements with a view to the exchange of, one cryptoasset for another, or
(iii)operating a machine which utilises automated processes to exchange cryptoassets for money or money for cryptoassets;
(b)“custodian wallet provider” means a firm or sole practitioner who by way of business provides services to safeguard, or to safeguard and administer—
(i)cryptoassets on behalf of its customers, or
(ii)private cryptographic keys on behalf of its customers in order to hold, store and transfer cryptoassets;
(c)“cryptoasset service provider” includes cryptoasset exchange provider and custodian wallet provider.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), “money” means—
(a)money in sterling,
(b)money in any other currency, or
(c)money in any other medium of exchange,
but does not include a cryptoasset.
(3)In the definition of “cryptoasset exchange provider” in subsection (1), “cryptoasset” includes a right to, or interest in, a cryptoasset.
(4)The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the definitions in this section.
(5)The Secretary of State must consult the Scottish Ministers and the Department of Justice before making regulations under subsection (4).
Freezing of crypto walletsApplication for crypto wallet freezing order(303Z36)
(1)This section applies if an enforcement officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that cryptoassets held in a crypto wallet administered by a UK-connected cryptoasset service provider—
(a)are recoverable property, or
(b)are intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.
(2)Where this section applies (but subject to subsection (3)) the enforcement officer may apply to the relevant court for a crypto wallet freezing order in relation to the crypto wallet in which the cryptoassets are held.
(3)An enforcement officer may not apply for a crypto wallet freezing order unless the officer is a senior officer or is authorised to do so by a senior officer.
(4)For the purposes of this Chapter—
(a)a crypto wallet freezing order is an order that, subject to any exclusions (see section 303Z39), prohibits each person by or for whom the crypto wallet to which the order applies is administered from—
(i)making withdrawals or payments from the crypto wallet, or
(ii)using the crypto wallet in any other way;
(b)a crypto wallet is administered by or for a person if the person is the person to whom services are being provided by a cryptoasset service provider in relation to that crypto wallet.
(5)An application for a crypto wallet freezing order may be made without notice if the circumstances of the case are such that notice of the application would prejudice the taking of any steps under this Part to forfeit cryptoassets that are recoverable property or intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.
(6)An application for a crypto wallet freezing order under this section may be combined with an application for an account freezing order under section 303Z1 where a single entity—
(a)is both a relevant financial institution for the purposes of section 303Z1 and a cryptoasset service provider for the purposes of this section, and
(b)operates or administers, for the same person, both an account holding money (above the minimum amount specified in section 303Z8) and a crypto wallet.
(7)An application for a crypto wallet freezing order may not be made by an SFO officer, or an accredited financial investigator, in relation to a UK-connected cryptoasset service provider where—
(a)the provider has its registered office, or if it does not have one, its head office in Scotland, and
(b)the day-to-day management of the provider’s business is the responsibility of that office or another establishment maintained by it in Scotland.
(8)In this Chapter—
“enforcement officer” has the meaning given by section 303Z20;
“relevant court” means—
in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, a magistrates’ court, and
in Scotland, the sheriff;
“senior officer” has the meaning given by section 303Z20;
“UK-connected cryptoasset service provider” means a cryptoasset service provider which—
is acting in the course of business carried on by it in the United Kingdom,
has terms and conditions with the persons to whom it provides services which provide for a legal dispute to be litigated in the courts of a part of the United Kingdom,
holds, in the United Kingdom, any data relating to the persons to whom it provides services, or
meets the condition in subsection (9).
(9)The condition in this subsection is that—
(a)the cryptoasset service provider has its registered office, or if it does not have one, its head office in the United Kingdom, and
(b)the day-to-day management of the provider’s business is the responsibility of that office or another establishment maintained by it in the United Kingdom.
Making of a crypto wallet freezing order(303Z37)
(1)This section applies where an application for a crypto wallet freezing order is made under section 303Z36 in relation to a crypto wallet.
(2)The relevant court may make the order if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that some or all of the cryptoassets held in the crypto wallet—
(a)are recoverable property, or
(b)are intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.
(3)A crypto wallet freezing order ceases to have effect at the end of the period specified in the order (which may be varied under section 303Z38) unless it ceases to have effect at an earlier or later time in accordance with this Chapter or Chapter 3E or 3F.
(4)The period specified by the relevant court for the purposes of subsection (3) (whether when the order is first made or on a variation under section 303Z38) may not exceed the period of 2 years, beginning with the day on which the crypto wallet freezing order is (or was) made; but this is subject to subsection (5).
(5)The relevant court may make an order for the period of 2 years in subsection (4) to be extended to a period of up to 3 years beginning with the day on which the crypto wallet freezing order is (or was) made.
(6)The relevant court may make an order under subsection (5) if satisfied that a request for assistance is outstanding in relation to some or all of the cryptoassets held in the crypto wallet.
(7)A “request for assistance” in subsection (6) means a request for assistance in obtaining evidence (including information in any form or article) in connection with some or all of the cryptoassets held in the crypto wallet, made—
(a)by a judicial authority in the United Kingdom under section 7 of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003,
(b)by an enforcement officer, to an authority exercising equivalent functions in a foreign country,
(c)by the Scottish Ministers in connection with their functions under this Part, to an authority exercising equivalent functions in a foreign country, or
(d)by a person under section 375A or 408A (evidence overseas).
(8)A crypto wallet freezing order must provide for notice to be given to persons affected by the order.
Variation and setting aside of crypto wallet freezing order(303Z38)
(1)The relevant court may at any time vary or set aside a crypto wallet freezing order on an application made by—
(a)an enforcement officer, or
(b)any person affected by the order.
(2)But an enforcement officer may not make an application under subsection (1) unless the officer is a senior officer or is authorised to do so by a senior officer.
(3)Before varying or setting aside a crypto wallet freezing order the court must (as well as giving the parties to the proceedings an opportunity to be heard) give such an opportunity to any person who may be affected by its decision.
(4)In relation to Scotland, the references in this section to setting aside an order are to be read as references to recalling it.
Exclusions(303Z39)
(1)The power to vary a crypto wallet freezing order includes (amongst other things) power to make exclusions from the prohibition on making withdrawals or payments from the crypto wallet to which the order applies.
(2)Exclusions from the prohibition may also be made when the order is made.
(3)An exclusion may (amongst other things) make provision for the purpose of enabling a person by or for whom the crypto wallet is administered—
(a)to meet the person’s reasonable living expenses, or
(b)to carry on any trade, business, profession or occupation.
(4)An exclusion may be made subject to conditions.
(5)Where a magistrates’ court exercises the power to make an exclusion for the purpose of enabling a person to meet legal expenses that the person has incurred, or may incur, in respect of proceedings under this Part, it must ensure that the exclusion—
(a)is limited to reasonable legal expenses that the person has reasonably incurred or that the person reasonably incurs,
(b)specifies the total amount that may be released for legal expenses in pursuance of the exclusion, and
(c)is made subject to the same conditions as would be the required conditions (see section 286A) if the order had been made under section 245A (in addition to any conditions imposed under subsection (4)).
(6)A magistrates’ court, in deciding whether to make an exclusion for the purpose of enabling a person to meet legal expenses in respect of proceedings under this Part—
(a)must have regard to the desirability of the person being represented in any proceedings under this Part in which the person is a participant, and
(b)must disregard the possibility that legal representation of the person in any such proceedings might, were an exclusion not made—
(i)be made available under arrangements made for the purposes of Part 1 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, or
(ii)be funded by the Department of Justice.
(7)The sheriff’s power to make exclusions may not be exercised for the purpose of enabling any person to meet any legal expenses in respect of proceedings under this Part.
(8)The power to make exclusions must, subject to subsection (6), be exercised with a view to ensuring, so far as practicable, that there is not undue prejudice to the taking of any steps under this Part to forfeit cryptoassets that are recoverable property or intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.
Restrictions on proceedings and remedies(303Z40)
(1)If a court in which proceedings are pending in respect of a crypto wallet administered by a UK-connected cryptoasset service provider is satisfied that a crypto wallet freezing order has been applied for or made in respect of the crypto wallet, it may either stay the proceedings or allow them to continue on any terms it thinks fit.
(2)Before exercising the power conferred by subsection (1), the court must (as well as giving the parties to any of the proceedings concerned an opportunity to be heard) give such an opportunity to any person who may be affected by the court’s decision.
(3)In relation to Scotland, the reference in subsection (1) to staying the proceedings is to be read as a reference to sisting the proceedings.
CHAPTER 3EForfeiture of cryptoassets following detention or freezing orderForfeiture ordersForfeiture order(303Z41)
(1)This section applies—
(a)while any cryptoassets are detained under Chapter 3C, or
(b)while a crypto wallet freezing order made under section 303Z37 has effect.
(2)An application for the forfeiture of some or all of the cryptoassets that are detained or held in the crypto wallet that is subject to the crypto wallet freezing order may be made—
(a)to a magistrates’ court by a person within subsection (3), or
(b)to the sheriff by the Scottish Ministers.
(3)The following persons are within this subsection—
(a)the Commissioners for His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs,
(b)a constable,
(c)an SFO officer, and
(d)an accredited financial investigator who falls within a description specified in an order made for the purposes of this Chapter by the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers under section 453.
(4)The court or sheriff may order the forfeiture of some or all of the cryptoassets if satisfied that the cryptoassets—
(a)are recoverable property, or
(b)are intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.
(5)An order under subsection (4) made by a magistrates’ court may provide for payment under section 303Z49 of reasonable legal expenses that a person has reasonably incurred, or may reasonably incur, in respect of—
(a)the proceedings in which the order is made, or
(b)any related proceedings under this Chapter.
(6)A sum in respect of a relevant item of expenditure is not payable under section 303Z49 in pursuance of provision under subsection (5) unless—
(a)the person who applied for the order under subsection (4) agrees to its payment, or
(b)the court has assessed the amount allowed in respect of that item and the sum is paid in respect of the assessed amount.
(7)For the purposes of subsection (6)—
(a)a “relevant item of expenditure” is an item of expenditure to which regulations under section 286B would apply if the order under subsection (4) had instead been a recovery order;
(b)an amount is “allowed” in respect of a relevant item of expenditure if it would have been allowed by those regulations;
(c)if the person who applied for the order under subsection (4) was a constable, an SFO officer or an accredited financial investigator, that person may not agree to the payment of a sum unless the person is a senior officer or is authorised to do so by a senior officer.
(8)Subsection (4) ceases to apply on the transfer of an application made under this section in accordance with section 303Z45(1).
(9)In this Chapter—
“crypto wallet freezing order” has the same meaning as in Chapter 3D (see section 303Z36);
“enforcement officer” has the meaning given by section 303Z20;
“senior officer” has the meaning given by section 303Z20.
(10)Section 303Z36(4)(b) applies in relation to this Chapter as it applies in relation to Chapter 3D.
Forfeiture order: supplementary(303Z42)
(1)Subsection (2) applies where an application is made under section 303Z41 for the forfeiture of any cryptoassets detained under Chapter 3C.
(2)The cryptoassets are to continue to be detained under Chapter 3C (and may not be released under any power conferred by this Part) until any proceedings in pursuance of the application (including any proceedings on appeal) are concluded.
This subsection is subject to Chapter 3F (conversion to money).
(3)Where an application is made under section 303Z41 in relation to cryptoassets held in a crypto wallet that is subject to a crypto wallet freezing order—
(a)subsections (4) and (5) apply, and
(b)the crypto wallet freezing order is to continue to have effect until the time referred to in subsection (4)(b) or (5).
(4)Where the cryptoassets are ordered to be forfeited under section 303Z41(4) or 303Z45(3)—
(a)the cryptoasset service provider that administers the crypto wallet must transfer the cryptoassets into a crypto wallet nominated by an enforcement officer, and
(b)immediately after the transfer has been made, the freezing order ceases to have effect.
(5)Where the application is determined or otherwise disposed of other than by the making of an order under section 303Z41(4) or 303Z45(3), the crypto wallet freezing order ceases to have effect immediately after that determination or other disposal.
Full captured verbatim text
(6) The court, sheriff or justice may make an order under subsection (1) if satisfied, in relation to the cryptoassets to be further detained, that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the cryptoassets are recoverable property or intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct. (7) The court or sheriff may make an order under subsection (4) if satisfied that a request for assistance is outstanding in relation to the cryptoassets to be further detained. (8) A “request for assistance” in subsection (7) means a request for assistance in obtaining evidence (including information in any form or article) in connection with the cryptoassets to be further detained, made— (a) by a judicial authority in the United Kingdom under section 7 of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003, (b) by an enforcement officer, to an authority exercising equivalent functions in a foreign country, (c) by the Scottish Ministers in connection with their functions under this Part, to an authority exercising equivalent functions in a foreign country, or (d) by a person under section 375A or 408A (evidence overseas). (9) An order under subsection (1) must provide for notice to be given to persons affected by the order. Safekeeping of cryptoassets and cryptoasset-related items(303Z33) (1) An enforcement officer must arrange for any item of property seized under section 303Z26 to be safely stored throughout the period during which it is detained under this Chapter. (2) An enforcement officer must arrange for any cryptoassets seized under section 303Z29 to be safely stored throughout the period during which they are detained under this Chapter. Release of cryptoassets and cryptoasset-related items(303Z34) (1) This section applies while any cryptoasset or other item of property is detained under this Chapter. (2) A magistrates’ court or (in Scotland) the sheriff may direct the release of the whole or any part of the property if the following condition is met. (3) The condition is that the court or sheriff is satisfied, on an application by the person from whom the property was seized, that the conditions for the detention of the property in this Chapter are no longer met in relation to the property to be released. (4) A person within subsection (5) may, after notifying the magistrates’ court, sheriff or justice under whose order property is being detained, release the whole or any part of the property if satisfied that the detention of the property to be released is no longer justified. (5) The following persons are within this subsection— (a) in relation to England and Wales and Northern Ireland, an enforcement officer; (b) in relation to Scotland— (i) the Scottish Ministers, (ii) an officer of Revenue and Customs, (iii) a constable, and (iv) a procurator fiscal. (6) If any cryptoasset-related item which has been released is not claimed within the period of a year beginning with the date on which it was released, an enforcement officer may— (a) retain the item and deal with it as they see fit, (b) dispose of the item, or (c) destroy the item. (7) The powers in subsection (6) may be exercised only— (a) where the enforcement officer has taken reasonable steps to notify— (i) the person from whom the item was seized, and (ii) any other persons who the enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe have an interest in the item, that the item has been released, and (b) with the approval of a senior officer. (8) Any proceeds of a disposal of the item are to be paid— (a) into the Consolidated Fund if— (i) the item was directed to be released by a magistrates’ court, or (ii) a magistrates’ court or justice was notified under subsection (4) of the release; (b) into the Scottish Consolidated Fund if— (i) the item was directed to be released by the sheriff, or (ii) the sheriff was notified under subsection (4) of the release. CHAPTER 3DRecovery of cryptoassets: freezing ordersDefinitionsDefinitions(303Z35) (1) In this Chapter— (a) “cryptoasset exchange provider” means a firm or sole practitioner who by way of business provides one or more of the following services, including where the firm or sole practitioner does so as creator or issuer of any of the cryptoassets involved— (i) exchanging, or arranging or making arrangements with a view to the exchange of, cryptoassets for money or money for cryptoassets, (ii) exchanging, or arranging or making arrangements with a view to the exchange of, one cryptoasset for another, or (iii) operating a machine which utilises automated processes to exchange cryptoassets for money or money for cryptoassets; (b) “custodian wallet provider” means a firm or sole practitioner who by way of business provides services to safeguard, or to safeguard and administer— (i) cryptoassets on behalf of its customers, or (ii) private cryptographic keys on behalf of its customers in order to hold, store and transfer cryptoassets; (c) “cryptoasset service provider” includes cryptoasset exchange provider and custodian wallet provider. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), “money” means— (a) money in sterling, (b) money in any other currency, or (c) money in any other medium of exchange, but does not include a cryptoasset. (3) In the definition of “cryptoasset exchange provider” in subsection (1), “cryptoasset” includes a right to, or interest in, a cryptoasset. (4) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the definitions in this section. (5) The Secretary of State must consult the Scottish Ministers and the Department of Justice before making regulations under subsection (4). Freezing of crypto walletsApplication for crypto wallet freezing order(303Z36) (1) This section applies if an enforcement officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that cryptoassets held in a crypto wallet administered by a UK-connected cryptoasset service provider— (a) are recoverable property, or (b) are intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct. (2) Where this section applies (but subject to subsection (3)) the enforcement officer may apply to the relevant court for a crypto wallet freezing order in relation to the crypto wallet in which the cryptoassets are held. (3) An enforcement officer may not apply for a crypto wallet freezing order unless the officer is a senior officer or is authorised to do so by a senior officer. (4) For the purposes of this Chapter— (a) a crypto wallet freezing order is an order that, subject to any exclusions (see section 303Z39), prohibits each person by or for whom the crypto wallet to which the order applies is administered from— (i) making withdrawals or payments from the crypto wallet, or (ii) using the crypto wallet in any other way; (b) a crypto wallet is administered by or for a person if the person is the person to whom services are being provided by a cryptoasset service provider in relation to that crypto wallet. (5) An application for a crypto wallet freezing order may be made without notice if the circumstances of the case are such that notice of the application would prejudice the taking of any steps under this Part to forfeit cryptoassets that are recoverable property or intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct. (6) An application for a crypto wallet freezing order under this section may be combined with an application for an account freezing order under section 303Z1 where a single entity— (a) is both a relevant financial institution for the purposes of section 303Z1 and a cryptoasset service provider for the purposes of this section, and (b) operates or administers, for the same person, both an account holding money (above the minimum amount specified in section 303Z8) and a crypto wallet. (7) An application for a crypto wallet freezing order may not be made by an SFO officer, or an accredited financial investigator, in relation to a UK-connected cryptoasset service provider where— (a) the provider has its registered office, or if it does not have one, its head office in Scotland, and (b) the day-to-day management of the provider’s business is the responsibility of that office or another establishment maintained by it in Scotland. (8) In this Chapter— “enforcement officer” has the meaning given by section 303Z20; “relevant court” means— in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, a magistrates’ court, and in Scotland, the sheriff; “senior officer” has the meaning given by section 303Z20; “UK-connected cryptoasset service provider” means a cryptoasset service provider which— is acting in the course of business carried on by it in the United Kingdom, has terms and conditions with the persons to whom it provides services which provide for a legal dispute to be litigated in the courts of a part of the United Kingdom, holds, in the United Kingdom, any data relating to the persons to whom it provides services, or meets the condition in subsection (9). (9) The condition in this subsection is that— (a) the cryptoasset service provider has its registered office, or if it does not have one, its head office in the United Kingdom, and (b) the day-to-day management of the provider’s business is the responsibility of that office or another establishment maintained by it in the United Kingdom. Making of a crypto wallet freezing order(303Z37) (1) This section applies where an application for a crypto wallet freezing order is made under section 303Z36 in relation to a crypto wallet. (2) The relevant court may make the order if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that some or all of the cryptoassets held in the crypto wallet— (a) are recoverable property, or (b) are intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct. (3) A crypto wallet freezing order ceases to have effect at the end of the period specified in the order (which may be varied under section 303Z38) unless it ceases to have effect at an earlier or later time in accordance with this Chapter or Chapter 3E or 3F. (4) The period specified by the relevant court for the purposes of subsection (3) (whether when the order is first made or on a variation under section 303Z38) may not exceed the period of 2 years, beginning with the day on which the crypto wallet freezing order is (or was) made; but this is subject to subsection (5). (5) The relevant court may make an order for the period of 2 years in subsection (4) to be extended to a period of up to 3 years beginning with the day on which the crypto wallet freezing order is (or was) made. (6) The relevant court may make an order under subsection (5) if satisfied that a request for assistance is outstanding in relation to some or all of the cryptoassets held in the crypto wallet. (7) A “request for assistance” in subsection (6) means a request for assistance in obtaining evidence (including information in any form or article) in connection with some or all of the cryptoassets held in the crypto wallet, made— (a) by a judicial authority in the United Kingdom under section 7 of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003, (b) by an enforcement officer, to an authority exercising equivalent functions in a foreign country, (c) by the Scottish Ministers in connection with their functions under this Part, to an authority exercising equivalent functions in a foreign country, or (d) by a person under section 375A or 408A (evidence overseas). (8) A crypto wallet freezing order must provide for notice to be given to persons affected by the order. Variation and setting aside of crypto wallet freezing order(303Z38) (1) The relevant court may at any time vary or set aside a crypto wallet freezing order on an application made by— (a) an enforcement officer, or (b) any person affected by the order. (2) But an enforcement officer may not make an application under subsection (1) unless the officer is a senior officer or is authorised to do so by a senior officer. (3) Before varying or setting aside a crypto wallet freezing order the court must (as well as giving the parties to the proceedings an opportunity to be heard) give such an opportunity to any person who may be affected by its decision. (4) In relation to Scotland, the references in this section to setting aside an order are to be read as references to recalling it. Exclusions(303Z39) (1) The power to vary a crypto wallet freezing order includes (amongst other things) power to make exclusions from the prohibition on making withdrawals or payments from the crypto wallet to which the order applies. (2) Exclusions from the prohibition may also be made when the order is made. (3) An exclusion may (amongst other things) make provision for the purpose of enabling a person by or for whom the crypto wallet is administered— (a) to meet the person’s reasonable living expenses, or (b) to carry on any trade, business, profession or occupation. (4) An exclusion may be made subject to conditions. (5) Where a magistrates’ court exercises the power to make an exclusion for the purpose of enabling a person to meet legal expenses that the person has incurred, or may incur, in respect of proceedings under this Part, it must ensure that the exclusion— (a) is limited to reasonable legal expenses that the person has reasonably incurred or that the person reasonably incurs, (b) specifies the total amount that may be released for legal expenses in pursuance of the exclusion, and (c) is made subject to the same conditions as would be the required conditions (see section 286A) if the order had been made under section 245A (in addition to any conditions imposed under subsection (4)). (6) A magistrates’ court, in deciding whether to make an exclusion for the purpose of enabling a person to meet legal expenses in respect of proceedings under this Part— (a) must have regard to the desirability of the person being represented in any proceedings under this Part in which the person is a participant, and (b) must disregard the possibility that legal representation of the person in any such proceedings might, were an exclusion not made— (i) be made available under arrangements made for the purposes of Part 1 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, or (ii) be funded by the Department of Justice. (7) The sheriff’s power to make exclusions may not be exercised for the purpose of enabling any person to meet any legal expenses in respect of proceedings under this Part. (8) The power to make exclusions must, subject to subsection (6), be exercised with a view to ensuring, so far as practicable, that there is not undue prejudice to the taking of any steps under this Part to forfeit cryptoassets that are recoverable property or intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct. Restrictions on proceedings and remedies(303Z40) (1) If a court in which proceedings are pending in respect of a crypto wallet administered by a UK-connected cryptoasset service provider is satisfied that a crypto wallet freezing order has been applied for or made in respect of the crypto wallet, it may either stay the proceedings or allow them to continue on any terms it thinks fit. (2) Before exercising the power conferred by subsection (1), the court must (as well as giving the parties to any of the proceedings concerned an opportunity to be heard) give such an opportunity to any person who may be affected by the court’s decision. (3) In relation to Scotland, the reference in subsection (1) to staying the proceedings is to be read as a reference to sisting the proceedings. CHAPTER 3EForfeiture of cryptoassets following detention or freezing orderForfeiture ordersForfeiture order(303Z41) (1) This section applies— (a) while any cryptoassets are detained under Chapter 3C, or (b) while a crypto wallet freezing order made under section 303Z37 has effect. (2) An application for the forfeiture of some or all of the cryptoassets that are detained or held in the crypto wallet that is subject to the crypto wallet freezing order may be made— (a) to a magistrates’ court by a person within subsection (3), or (b) to the sheriff by the Scottish Ministers. (3) The following persons are within this subsection— (a) the Commissioners for His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, (b) a constable, (c) an SFO officer, and (d) an accredited financial investigator who falls within a description specified in an order made for the purposes of this Chapter by the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers under section 453. (4) The court or sheriff may order the forfeiture of some or all of the cryptoassets if satisfied that the cryptoassets— (a) are recoverable property, or (b) are intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct. (5) An order under subsection (4) made by a magistrates’ court may provide for payment under section 303Z49 of reasonable legal expenses that a person has reasonably incurred, or may reasonably incur, in respect of— (a) the proceedings in which the order is made, or (b) any related proceedings under this Chapter. (6) A sum in respect of a relevant item of expenditure is not payable under section 303Z49 in pursuance of provision under subsection (5) unless— (a) the person who applied for the order under subsection (4) agrees to its payment, or (b) the court has assessed the amount allowed in respect of that item and the sum is paid in respect of the assessed amount. (7) For the purposes of subsection (6)— (a) a “relevant item of expenditure” is an item of expenditure to which regulations under section 286B would apply if the order under subsection (4) had instead been a recovery order; (b) an amount is “allowed” in respect of a relevant item of expenditure if it would have been allowed by those regulations; (c) if the person who applied for the order under subsection (4) was a constable, an SFO officer or an accredited financial investigator, that person may not agree to the payment of a sum unless the person is a senior officer or is authorised to do so by a senior officer. (8) Subsection (4) ceases to apply on the transfer of an application made under this section in accordance with section 303Z45(1). (9) In this Chapter— “crypto wallet freezing order” has the same meaning as in Chapter 3D (see section 303Z36); “enforcement officer” has the meaning given by section 303Z20; “senior officer” has the meaning given by section 303Z20. (10) Section 303Z36(4)(b) applies in relation to this Chapter as it applies in relation to Chapter 3D. Forfeiture order: supplementary(303Z42) (1) Subsection (2) applies where an application is made under section 303Z41 for the forfeiture of any cryptoassets detained under Chapter 3C. (2) The cryptoassets are to continue to be detained under Chapter 3C (and may not be released under any power conferred by this Part) until any proceedings in pursuance of the application (including any proceedings on appeal) are concluded. This subsection is subject to Chapter 3F (conversion to money). (3) Where an application is made under section 303Z41 in relation to cryptoassets held in a crypto wallet that is subject to a crypto wallet freezing order— (a) subsections (4) and (5) apply, and (b) the crypto wallet freezing order is to continue to have effect until the time referred to in subsection (4)(b) or (5). (4) Where the cryptoassets are ordered to be forfeited under section 303Z41(4) or 303Z45(3)— (a) the cryptoasset service provider that administers the crypto wallet must transfer the cryptoassets into a crypto wallet nominated by an enforcement officer, and (b) immediately after the transfer has been made, the freezing order ceases to have effect. (5) Where the application is determined or otherwise disposed of other than by the making of an order under section 303Z41(4) or 303Z45(3), the crypto wallet freezing order ceases to have effect immediately after that determination or other disposal.