The CPS asset recovery strategy could mark a major shift in how prosecutors deal with fraud, organised crime, people smuggling, cybercrime and money laundering cases in England and Wales.

On 4 June 2026, the Crown Prosecution Service announced new strategies aimed at ensuring that “crime does not pay”. The focus is clear: prosecutors will be encouraged to think about criminal assets from the very start of a case, rather than treating confiscation and recovery as an afterthought.

For defendants, suspects and businesses facing financial crime investigations, this is an important development. It means the prosecution may not only focus on securing a conviction, but also on freezing, tracing and recovering assets linked to alleged offending.

What Is the New CPS Asset Recovery Strategy?

The CPS asset recovery strategy forms part of two wider plans: the Serious Economic and Organised Crime Strategy 2030 and the International Strategy 2030.

These strategies are designed to help prosecutors respond to modern crime, especially where offending is complex, digital, international or financially motivated. The CPS says prosecutors will work more closely with police and investigators from the outset, helping to shape cases earlier and identify the full scale of alleged offending.

This matters because many serious crime cases now involve digital evidence, cross-border money flows, cryptocurrency, overseas suspects, shell companies, online fraud and organised networks. Prosecutors are being encouraged to look beyond the immediate criminal allegation and consider where money, property and assets may have gone.

Why the CPS Is Targeting Criminal Assets Earlier

The central message behind the CPS asset recovery strategy is simple: removing profit from crime is seen as a key part of disrupting criminal activity.

According to the CPS, more than £530 million has been recovered from confiscation orders in the last five years, with over £100 million returned to victims. This includes money taken through fraud, organised offending and other financially motivated crimes.

By considering asset recovery earlier, prosecutors may be better placed to:

• Identify hidden or transferred assets
• Preserve evidence linked to money flows
• Support applications for restraint or confiscation
• Return funds to victims where possible
• Disrupt organised crime groups financially

For victims of fraud, cybercrime and business crime, this could be a positive step. However, for those accused of offences, it also means financial investigation may become more aggressive, detailed and intrusive from the beginning.

What Types of Crime Could Be Affected?

The CPS announcement refers to crimes that cause significant harm to society, including large-scale fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, organised immigration crime and modern slavery.

The CPS asset recovery strategy is therefore likely to affect a wide range of cases, including:

• Fraud and forgery offences
• Money laundering allegations
• Cyber-enabled crime
• People smuggling and organised immigration offences
• Modern slavery investigations
• Serious organised crime
• International criminal investigations
• Cases involving overseas assets or evidence

The CPS also highlighted the growing use of online platforms, gaming spaces and chatrooms by offenders. This suggests prosecutors will be placing greater importance on digital evidence, online communications and financial trails.

What This Means for People Facing Investigation

For anyone under investigation, the CPS asset recovery strategy means financial issues may become central at a much earlier stage.

In practical terms, this could involve questions about bank accounts, property ownership, vehicles, business income, cryptocurrency wallets, overseas transfers and unexplained assets. It may also mean prosecutors and investigators take a closer look at family members, company structures or third parties who may have received money or property.

This does not mean every defendant is guilty. It does mean that early legal advice is more important than ever, especially where allegations involve financial gain, benefit from criminal conduct or complex money movements.

A criminal defence solicitor can help you understand:

• What the prosecution must prove
• Whether assets are genuinely linked to alleged offending
• How to respond to financial investigation requests
• Whether restraint or confiscation proceedings can be challenged
• What evidence may support your defence

Confiscation Orders and Proceeds of Crime Concerns

Confiscation orders are often made after conviction, where the court decides that a defendant has benefited from criminal conduct. The court may then order repayment based on the benefit figure and the defendant’s available assets.

The CPS asset recovery strategy suggests prosecutors will be thinking about these issues earlier and more proactively. That could make cases more complex, particularly where the alleged benefit figure is disputed.

A major issue in many proceeds of crime cases is whether the prosecution’s calculation fairly reflects reality. In some cases, defendants may argue that the alleged benefit is overstated, that assets belong to someone else, or that money was not obtained through criminal conduct.

This is why evidence matters. Bank statements, business records, tax documents, ownership papers and transaction histories can all become important when challenging financial allegations.

International Crime and Overseas Assets

The CPS also confirmed that its International Strategy 2030 will make international issues a more routine part of case strategy. This reflects the reality that suspects, victims, witnesses, evidence and assets may be located outside England and Wales.

For defendants, the CPS asset recovery strategy could therefore lead to more cases involving overseas bank accounts, foreign property, international business records, extradition issues or evidence obtained from other jurisdictions.

International cooperation can strengthen prosecution cases, but it can also raise important legal questions. Evidence must still be obtained and used properly. Defendants must still receive a fair trial. Any international element should be carefully reviewed by the defence.

Why Early Legal Advice Is Essential

The new CPS approach shows that serious economic and organised crime cases are becoming more strategic, more digital and more financially focused.

If you are contacted by police, invited for an interview under caution, served with a restraint order, or accused of fraud, money laundering or organised crime, you should not ignore the situation.

Early advice can help protect your position before mistakes are made. It can also help ensure that evidence is preserved, explanations are properly presented and any financial allegations are challenged where appropriate.

At Newgate Solicitors, we assist clients facing serious criminal allegations, including fraud, money laundering, proceeds of crime and complex financial crime matters. If you are worried about an investigation or prosecution, speak to our criminal defence team as soon as possible.

A Tougher Approach to Crime Profits

The CPS asset recovery strategy shows that prosecutors intend to take a tougher and earlier approach to illegal assets. For victims, the aim is to recover money and reduce the financial incentive behind organised crime. For suspects and defendants, it means asset tracing, confiscation and financial disruption may become key parts of the case from the start.

If you are facing a criminal investigation involving alleged financial gain, do not wait until the case reaches court. Early legal advice can make a significant difference.

Contact Newgate Solicitors today for confidential advice on fraud, money laundering, proceeds of crime and serious criminal defence matters.

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