South African gold coins worth over £16,000 sold as part of six-figure civil recovery case

Cash raised from the sale of the forfeited goods is being handed over to the Scottish government as part of the “CashBack” scheme today.

On 29 February 2012, 44 year old Yvette Booth, from Shawlands in Glasgow was seen to be driving erratically on the A82 near Dumbarton. Police officers at the scene attempted to stop her car but she fled and was only brought to a halt after a high-speed chase.

When the car was searched, police officers found bags of cash and a substantial amount of gold and jewellery.

The definition of cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 includes “note and coins in any currency”. As the Krugerrand is legal tender in South Africa, the CRU was able to seek forfeiture of these valuable coins under the cash forfeiture provisions, alongside the £110,240 in UK currency that was also recovered from the car.

The forfeiture was granted on 14 May 2015 on the basis of Ms Booth’s partner’s alleged involvement in drug dealing and money laundering.

The rest of the gold and jewellery recovered was held by the police pending extensive enquiries into its ownership, and ultimately the majority of it was also forfeited and made available for sale.

On 11 February 2016 the gold was sold for £45,669, including the Krugerrands which sold for £16,340. Last week the unclaimed jewellery was sold for £19,000.

All the funds so far raised from the seizures, alongside the UK cash recovered, total £174,909.

Linda Hamilton, head of the CRU, said: “This case demonstrates the powers of the civil courts to strip cash and valuables that cannot be legally explained.

“In this case a simple traffic stop has led to the first ever seizure of Krugerrands in Scotland under Proceeds of Crime, and the raising of almost £175,000 that will be spent on positive activities for children and young people throughout Scotland.

“We will continue to do all in our power to recoup the Proceeds of Crime and put it to good use for our communities.”