Monday, May 11, 2020
Homeland Secrets: Operation Agent Touch
Page 8 of 8
The cost of justiceBy Beno Thomas
Some of the forfeiture proceeds from the joint investigation known as “Operation Asian Touch” ultimately flowed back into the budgets of the Arizona police departments that were involved, even though most charges eventually were dismissed. According to the Institute of Justice, 93% of Mohave County’s forfeiture cases had no related convictions in 2018. Under current civil forfeiture laws, law enforcement can seize assets solely on suspicion the assets are connected to criminal activity. It is difficult for suspects to win back their assets in court. From 2000 to 2014, Arizona law enforcement agencies collectively received an average of $27 million a year in forfeiture revenue. (Graphic by Troy Tauscher/Cronkite News)
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