12759 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Associate Minister of Justice

12759 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Associate Minister of Justice: Is the proceeds of crime fund open for applications and if not when is it expected to be open?

Hon Nicole McKee: I am advised that in 2022 the decision not to accept any new applications was made until there was confidence that there would be sufficient funds available. It was initially anticipated that this would be relatively short delay while the Proceeds of Crime Fund (PoCF) was replenished with recovered criminal proceeds. The dual impact of COVID-19 and the global economic downturn have significantly reduced the flow of money into the PoCF. COVID-19 had a major impact on actual and projected revenue due to significant delays in both national and international justice systems and markets. The global economic downturn has also slowed down asset disposal and reduced asset values. In accordance with the fund’s criteria, Cabinet can draw from the PoCF to support urgent justice requirements to address crime related harm to communities and improve community wellbeing. Details of initiatives funded in this way are available on the PoCF website: Proceeds of Crime Fund | New Zealand Ministry of Justice . Given the current slow rate of inflow into the PoCF the timeline for the fund to reopen for current or new applications is uncertain.