Funds from Criminal Seizures to Aid Fraud Victims

Funds confiscated from offenders by law enforcement and judicial bodies are designated to finance initiatives assisting individuals who have fallen victim to fraud in recovering their money. A dedicated, full-time Fraud Financial Advocate (FFA) position will be established in Stockton, tasked with assisting victims in seeking restitution from financial institutions and educating them on identifying fraudulent schemes. This FFA role, financed through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), will serve the areas of Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar, and Cleveland. Matt Storey, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, stated that the advocate is expected to have a “huge impact” in addressing the “life-changing consequences of fraud”. The establishment of this full-time position was announced jointly by the Trading Standards teams of Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool councils, alongside the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). Each Trading Standards team will contribute £10,832.20 from POCA funding, with an equivalent sum provided by the OPCC, to finance the role for an initial one-year pilot phase. In the past, a part-time advocate operating in Cleveland successfully obtained approximately £202,795 in financial advantages for victims, encompassing both monetary reimbursements and the annulment of loans acquired through fraudulent means. The OPCC reported that the specific funding allocated by the Ministry of Justice was depleted, leading to the termination of the previous position. Mr. Storey clarified that this new initiative is not intended to supersede the specialized assistance offered by victim care officers. He further stated, “I have heard first hand from victims about the life-changing consequences of fraud and it can ruin lives.” Mr. Storey concluded, “I have no doubt the work the advocate will do on behalf of local people will have a huge impact and right some of those wrongs.”