Released on October 7, 2011
Regina's Court of Queen's Bench has issued an order that will forfeit nearly $418,000 to the Government of Saskatchewan, Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan announced today.
The funds were forfeited under The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009 and can be used for costs and expenses incurred in managing and selling forfeited property and for costs and expenses incurred to bring applications under the Act. As well, the funds can be distributed between the Victims Fund and policing in the province.
"I am pleased that the Act has been used successfully to acquire such a significant amount of money," Morgan said. "These funds will be used to enhance the safety and security of our communities, while clearly demonstrating that no one should benefit from illegal activity."
The funds were forfeited as a result of a joint investigation between the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General and the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, based on an "F" Division Integrated Proceeds of Crime RCMP referral. In Saskatchewan, civil property forfeiture is covered under The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009. This legislation is designed to assist in the seizure of the proceeds of crime so they cannot be used for further criminal activity.
"The partnership between the province and the RCMP was instrumental to the success of the investigation," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert said. "I am pleased that our shared commitment to community safety has led to this positive result."
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For more information, contact:
Linsay Rabyj
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: linsay.rabyj@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-540-4945