Civil forfeiture – Property disposition

The Civil Forfeiture Office (CFO) may seek and obtain forfeiture of the following:

• Real property (houses, land), or
• Personal property (cash, vehicles, jewellery, electronics, etc.)

The Act authorizes the CFO to liquidate forfeited property and, depending on the type of property, this is done in the following ways:

• Real property is generally listed on the open market by a licensed realtor and sold through a regular Contract of Purchase and Sale;
• Personal property is sold through the Ministry of Citizen Services’ B.C. Auction website;
• Property that cannot be sold is disposed of or sent for salvage

Property may be listed with a reserve price on the B.C. Auction website. This allows the CFO to ensure the maximum price that can be obtained on the open market.

All proceeds of sale, forfeited cash, and any funds paid to the government to settle an application or action under the Act are deposited to the civil forfeiture account, a special account in the consolidated revenue fund.