Proceeds of Crime - house sale query

[whiskeyfrank]

Hi, I am trying to buy a house and the vendor keeps increasing the price. We have pulled out but also discovered at the same time that the vendor has just been released from prison for a fraud conviction. He has been ordered under the POCA to repay over 500k of income illegally gained. He has a house he has to sell but as I said keeps increasing the price. It was on auction and we bid the reserve, he has taken it off auction now and increased iy by 30%.

My questions are - should he be selling this in the first place (as I don't want to buy something that he does not own) and where do I go to report the fact he is refusing to sell his property even though he has been ordered to sell all assets, I would have thought it would have been taken off him anyway?

If he does not pay back he will have to return to Prison - I'm lost how someone can be ordered to pay back and then hold on to something like this

Any help or where this should go I would appreciate it.

Frank

[Scot22]

I would not want to buy a house from a criminal. Whatever the price. I suggest save yourself stress and walk away.

[efpom]

At present the vendor's tactic is to demonstrate that he is trying to meet his obligations but the house will not sell. The court will transfer ownership to the Crown It will be put to sale probably by public auction and you may have the opportunity to obtain the property. Do not deal with this guy!

[GoodOldBoy]

Keep well clear - the National Crime Agency will be watching him like a hawk. They will know what he is up to - Eastate Agents are legally obliged to keep the NCA aware of the actions of anyone subject to such an order (on the list).

[whiskeyfrank]

Thanks for the advice, since this happened it seems we have been informed that he has a number of properties to sell, however, he is in no rush to sell, apparently if he does not raise the money but the date specified then he simply pays interest on whats owed, so won't have the assets seized, that surprised me.

[GoodOldBoy]

That's unusual. Usually it is pay-up by xxx or go to jail.
If his dodgy deeds are recent - Google can't keep a secret.

[whiskeyfrank]

The proceeds of crime order was pay up or go back to jail for another 5 years. This was 18 months ago!

[GoodOldBoy]

The proceeds of crime order was pay up or go back to jail for another 5 years. This was 18 months ago!

Did it say how long he had to come up with the money?