12 May, 2017. 14:23
ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 establishes a scheme to confiscate proceeds of crime and provides the means for returning the benefits of those confiscated funds to the community – here and abroad.
Network Nine has reportedly paid a large sum of money to the family of imprisoned Australian Cassandra Sainsbury, who is currently awaiting trial in Colombia for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 6kg of cocaine out of the South American nation to Australia via Great Britain.
However, should the 22-year-old be convicted of the crime, any and all proceeds of that crime may be seized by the Commonwealth under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The Advocate reached out to the Attorney-General’s office for comment, but was told to come back once George Brandis had finished his smoked salmon and sweet chilli Philly breakfast bagel.
Arriving at Mr Brandis’ Canberra office this morning, he explained to us that the family should become familiar with the Act prior to cashing in on Cassandra’s misfortune.
“By the time we get to the jet skis, they’ve been flogged so hard that it’s difficult to recoup the money. This looks like a case that’ll take a while to pan out so we expect the jet skis to be utterly fucked by the time we seize them,” he said.
“But yeah [coughs] it’s a delicate situation. I’d recommend not going to ham on the media deals. It’ll be a long trial if she pleads not guilty. Honestly though, it’s too early to comment.”
Mr Brandis then burped and got up out of his seat before laying down on the ottoman at the other side of the room and told The Advocate to come back later.
More to come.
