Seven houses in Glasgow seized by COPFS

The houses in Glasgow were taken from Harold Bennett, 49, and Christine Clements, 50, along with £45,000 cash and three designer watches.

After an investigation by the CRU’s expert solicitors and financial investigators, the couple conceded that money, watches and flats had been obtained through unlawful conduct.

At the Court of Session, the CRU were granted a recovery order which means the Drumchapel properties will be sold with an estimated six figure sum expected to be raised for the CashBack for Communities programme. The value of each property is estimated at between £37,000 and £135,000.

The watches were sold at auction in Edinburgh and raised approximately £5,200.

Denise Mckay, head of the CRU, said: “Unlawful conduct allowed Harold Bennett and Christine Clements to invest in multiple properties with money they were not entitled to.

“Civil recovery is a vital tool for disrupting crime in Scotland and this order sends out a strong message that we will do all in our power to recover properties and assets bought with criminal gains.

“The free proceeds from the sale of the houses and other assets will be reinvested into our communities through the CashBack programme.”