Success in small places: NCB forfeiture thrives in Manitoba, a small but mighty Canadian jurisdiction

Purpose This paper shows how a small jurisdiction can apply well-designed non-conviction-based (NCB) forfeiture provisions with a dedicated team to have a meaningful impact on financial crime. This paper aims to examine developing jurisprudence, legislation and case law to explore how the NCB laws work. Finally, this paper examines a relatively new area of law for Canada, unexplained wealth orders (UWOs). This paper discussed three recent cases in Western Canada currently before the courts. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers legislative and jurisprudential developments relevant to NCB or civil asset forfeiture and in particular considers very recent developments involving UWOs. Findings This paper shows how a small jurisdiction can apply well-designed NCB forfeiture provisions with a dedicated team to have a meaningful impact on financial crime. Research limitations/implications Some jurisdictions, like the UK, have experienced court losses with their UWO process. Canadian law may have a modest pathway to success in this area, although our jurisprudence is very much in development. Practical implications Manitoba is a small jurisdiction with limited resources who are finding ways to have an effective impact on financial crime through the careful application of use of conviction-based forfeiture. Social implications Financial crime has an outsized impact on society. This paper shows some of the techniques available to disrupt financial crime. Originality/value This paper incorporates developments in 2024 that have not yet been examined.