U.K. Asset Recovery Agency Secures $1,300,000 From Convicted Heroin Trafficker

The Assets Recovery Agency has been granted a Civil Recovery Order to recover an estimated £655,000 worth of assets held by David Thomas Tomkins also known as David Thomas James of Two Ginnels, The Avenue, Timsbury, Bath. The High Court Order followed an agreed settlement between Tomkins and the Agency.

This case was referred to ARA by Somerset and Avon Constabulary in March 2003 following Tomkins’ conviction for conspiracy to traffick heroin for which he received a five year prison sentence. As the Confiscation proceedings could not be progressed due to procedural issues the case was referred to the Agency to recover the proceeds of his criminal activity through the civil process.

In its case the Agency had alleged that Tomkins, a career criminal, had obtained his assets through unlawful activity, namely drug trafficking, money laundering and mortgage fraud. It further contended that his lifestyle and property acquisitions far exceeded any lawful means of income.

As part of the terms of the agreed settlement with the Agency, Tomkins retains a former local authority/council property at Cranmore Place, Odd Down, St John, Bath including mortgage and any other liabilities together with various personal assets worth £30,000 and the Agency takes the remainder of realizable assets. These include:

* The five bedroom family home at The Avenue, Timsbury, Bath;

* A nine-bed student let at Newbridge Road, Bath; and

* A residential property at Saxon Way, Peasedown, St John, Bath.

Charlie Dickin, ARA Deputy Director Operations commenting on the Agency’s latest successful settlement said: “This case is a clear reminder that the extensive powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act are effective in taking the profit out of crime.

“We want communities to know that their concerns about people profiting from crime are being acted on and we want criminals to know that we, together with our partners, are committed to vigorously pursue all those who attempt to prosper from their criminal activities

“This is part of a continual stream of assets currently being taken out of the hands of criminals, sold and the proceeds used for the benefit of everyone in the community.”

Dr Kirstie Cogram, Manager of the Financial Investigation Unit at Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: ” This case illustrates that Avon and Somerset Police will be relentless in their use of the Proceeds of Crime Act to deprive offenders of their ill-gotten gains, and by working in conjunction with the Assets Recovery Agency and utilizing their civil recovery powers, the message is that crime does not and will not pay.”

Source: ARA

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