Quick update on things. I spoke to the IUSW and they were very, very helpful and managed to give me names of solicitors who they thought might be able to assist. I've spoken to one of those today and will hopefully be able to arrange a face to face meeting later this week to get their advice.

Thanks to everybody for the advice, and particularly to Anika Mae for point us to the IUSW.

Thx

PS: The police are within their powers to seize anthing over 1000GBP. I assume that this is aimed more at small time drug dealers that people taking cash to the bank (or, heaven forbid, a safety deposit box), but it all counts. The limit was originally set at 10,000GBP, then dropped to 5,000GBP, and now set at 1,000GBP.

http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/seizure-criminal-assets