Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWO)

An Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) is a High Court order made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 requiring an individual to explain the lawful source of funds used to obtain specified property. UWOs are typically sought where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that known lawful income would have been insufficient to acquire the asset.

Certain enforcement authorities, including the National Crime Agency, HM Revenue & Customs, the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority, may apply to the High Court for a UWO where statutory conditions are satisfied.

Failure to comply with a UWO can result in the property being presumed recoverable in later civil recovery proceedings. Providing false or misleading information may also constitute a criminal offence.

Yes. An interim freezing order can be granted alongside a UWO to prevent property from being sold, transferred or dissipated while investigations are ongoing.

Not necessarily. A UWO is a civil investigative measure. However, information obtained through the process may lead to further civil recovery proceedings or, in some cases, criminal investigations.

Yes. UWOs can relate to property located both within and outside the UK, provided the statutory requirements under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 are met.

Our specialist business crime team provides urgent High Court representation, manages disclosure obligations, challenges the evidential basis of applications where appropriate and develops a strategic plan to protect your assets and reputation.

Yes. Asset freezing, High Court proceedings and associated investigations can significantly disrupt business operations and damage professional credibility, particularly for directors, regulated professionals and high-net-worth individuals.