A recent legal interpretation by the UK Court of Appeal has drawn surprising links between modern slavery in global supply chains and potential consumer liability for money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). The ruling extends criminal risk to individuals who knowingly purchase products derived from forced labour, sparking widespread legal and ethical concerns.
John Binns, a partner at BCL Solicitors, highlighted the startling implications using the example of tomato purée sold in UK supermarkets. These purées, reportedly sourced from tomatoes harvested under forced Uyghur labour in China, could make consumers unwittingly liable for money laundering offences.
“If you use tomato purée to make your pizza toppings at home, you are now on notice that your meal may represent (in part) the proceeds of modern slavery,” said Binns. “This makes you guilty of money laundering, an offence that could carry up to 14 years in prison.”
This article was first written for and published by Solicitors Journal on 2nd December 2024, to read the full article click here.
John Binns
Partner
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