The difficulties of belief evidence and anonymity in practice – challenges for asset recovery

There is an extensive literature on civil forfeiture powers to target proceeds of crime, with particular emphasis on, for example, the civil/criminal dichotomy and the constitutionality of such powers. Despite the increasing prevalence of such powers there remains, however, limited empirical analysis. This chapter draws upon qualitative interviews with leading stakeholders to consider the operation of such powers under the Irish Proceeds of Crime Acts. More specifically, the chapter examines two controversial evidential provisions – the use of belief evidence and anonymity.