A MAN with links to serious organised criminals has had more than £50k confiscated from him.

Proceedings against William McPhee Junior, of Larkhall, were raised by the Civil Recovery Unit (CRU), acting on behalf of the Scottish Ministers.

A forfeiture order has been made against him for £52,702.37, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

McPhee has links to those involved in serious organised crime.

These include human trafficking, crimes of dishonesty including bogus workman fraud, and crimes of violence.

The CRU worked closely with Police Scotland to investigate the case.

It raised a civil action in respect of the funds held in McPhee’s account on the basis that it had been derived from unlawful conduct and was recoverable property.

McPhee initially defended the action, but later entered into a settlement agreement.

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The cash forfeited represented most of the money held in his bank account. It has now been transferred to the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Anne-Louise House, head of the civil recovery unit, said: “The account forfeiture provisions are an invaluable tool to law enforcement.

“The forfeiture of £52,702.37 held in William McPhee Junior’s bank account is a good example of successful joint working between the CRU and Police Scotland.

“The money will now be put to good use in communities across Scotland, through the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities Programme.”

Detective Chief Inspector Stevie Trim, of Police Scotland’s Economic Crime and Financial Investigation Unit, added: “Police Scotland welcomes the imposition of the forfeiture order on William McPhee Junior.

“Working in partnership to tackle organised criminality is a priority for our officers and we will use every tool, including the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act, to thwart the activities of those involved.

“This was a challenging and complex investigation and underlines the value of working closely with our colleagues in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to contribute to achieving the aim and vision of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.”