Metropolitan Police Service, Specialist Crime Directorate

The domestic investigation of corruption or any case with an aspect of asset recovery can be undertaken by any police force in the UK however in practice the more complex investigations, particularly where there is any allegation that there is an overseas element, is usually undertaken by specialist police units within the Metropolitan Police Service (London) or the City of London Police.

The Economic and Specialist Crime Unit of the Specialist Crime Directorate is the dedicated unit of the Metropolitan Police Service that deals with asset recovery, money laundering and international assistance.

The Unit also deals with asset recovery through the Proceeds of Crime Implementation Team and Payback units. The Proceeds of Crime Implementation Team (POCIT) exists to improve the MPS response to the Proceeds of Crime Act.

There is also a Regional Asset Recovery Team, which is a multi-agency unit, funded by seized assets, comprising staff from the MPS, Asset Recovery Agency, London City Police and Customs and Revenue, set up to deal with the seizure of criminal assets on a national basis under the POCA 2002.

Operation Payback is a law enforcement initiative by officers from the MPS, HM Customs & Revenue, City of London Police and British Transport Police. The aim is to strip London's criminals of their cash and assets in a major joint operation using powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2000 to claim back criminal cash and proceeds that fund illegal lifestyles and support crime in the capital.