The head of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) has said the appointment of a forensic accountant specialising in tracing bank accounts to its Money Laundering Unit, would provide a major boost to police efforts to seize the proceeds of crime.

The SCDEA's Graeme Pearson also said new orders that require criminals to declare income for the rest of their lives, would also help police in their efforts.

Detectives from the SCDEA are currently on the trail of more than £10m worth of luxury houses, cars, bank accounts and other assets hoarded by crime bosses, The Scotsman reported.

Last month, the SCDEA announced that £4.3m-worth of criminal assets pursued by the agency were seized in 2006-7.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) gives the courts power to seize money, goods and even homes linked to illegal activity.

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