Image: SAPOL
Approximately $125 million in assets linked to criminal activity was seized or targeted by South Australian Police during the 2025/26 financial year, following major changes to the state’s confiscation laws.
The figure represents an increase of approximately $34 million compared with the $91 million in assets seized during 2024/25, before the Criminal Assets Confiscation Act was strengthened.
The reforms gave police and courts greater powers to prevent offenders from disposing of property before it could be confiscated, freeze bank accounts and require banks to provide information. Suspects can also face penalties for refusing to disclose information about third-party interests in property, while maximum fines for failing to comply have increased to $100,000.
The laws can be used against people involved in serious offences including drug trafficking, murder, violent crime and the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes.
The wider pool of property currently subject to confiscation action includes 560 vehicles worth an estimated $19 million.
Among the seized vehicles are Lamborghinis, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, Porsches and classic cars, along with motorcycles, boats, caravans, jet skis and forklifts.
Authorities are also pursuing real estate estimated to be worth $293 million, approximately $11 million in cash and frozen bank balances totalling $14 million.
Luxury watches from brands including Rolex, Breitling, Hublot and TAG Heuer are estimated to be worth $1.2 million, while premium alcohol valued at approximately $300,000 is also subject to action.
Acting Premier and Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the reforms were removing money from criminal networks and redirecting it towards community programs.
“In one year, we have seen the seized assets rise from approximately $91 million to $125 million. This is money being taken out of the criminal network and put towards initiatives that will make a real difference in our community,” Mr Maher said.
Minister for Police Michael Brown said authorities would continue pursuing high-value property believed to have been funded through criminal activity.
“No one should be driving a Lamborghini or living in a mansion funded by crimes that hurt South Australians,” Mr Brown said.
Assets belonging to prescribed drug offenders are confiscated by the Crown, with proceeds directed to the Justice Rehabilitation Fund to support rehabilitation and crime prevention programs.
Proceeds confiscated from other offenders are paid into the Victims of Crime Fund.
SAPOL Acting Assistant Commissioner Crime Catherine Hilliard said the strengthened measures had helped police disrupt serious drug offending and organised crime more efficiently.
