Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 

On 1^st March 2004 the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 came into force in full and creates certain obligations for us as solicitors in respect of any monies which come to our attention, in any manner whatsoever, which may be described as the proceeds of crime.

In order for us to advise you properly in respect of your will we require a full picture of your assets. If it became apparent that any asset was acquired as the result of a crime it would then become the proceeds of crime.

This includes everything from the proceeds of a bank robbery at one end of the spectrum to monies received for employment which are not declared to the Inland Revenue.

If as solicitors we suspect the existence of proceeds of crime in order to continue advising you without committing an offence under the Act we must report the irregularity to NCIS ( National Criminal Intelligence Service).They will then give or withhold permission for us to continue acting for you. Even if NCIS gives permission to continue to act it may still pass information received to any other body to allow them to investigate any matter arising.

As solicitors we are prohibited by the Act from informing a client that a report has or will be made to NCIS.

The obligations a solicitor has under the Act can in certain circumstances override the duty of Solicitor/Client confidentiality.

On receipt of your instructions before proceeding to do anything we require certain forms of identification if you are a new client to the firm.

These  should be

• A photographic document (e.g. a driving licence or passport)
• A document with proof of address (e.g. a bank statement)

If you are unable to provide such proofs you should contact the office either by e-mail or phone for further advices.

For convenience these copy documents should be posted to the following address with your questionnaire or separately if you decide to e-mail your questionnaire:

 MKB Russells
Solicitors
14-18 Great Victoria Street
Belfast
BT2 7BA