NCA v Jack Moore & Anor

Facts

The National Crime Agency, an enforcement authority under section 316 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, investigated Jack Moore, a British national believed to reside in Newcastle upon Tyne, and Timepiece Trading Limited, the company incorporated on 1 August 2019 of which he is sole director, shareholder and person with significant control. The company trades in watches and jewellery as "Watch Trader & Co". During a police search of its premises in October 2022, 580 high-value watches were seized, of which 498 became subject to a restraint order under section 41 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made at Newcastle Crown Court on 3 June 2024. The NCA's case was that a number of the watches — estimated at the ex parte hearing to be 174, falling into two categories: 29 purchased for more than £8,000/EUR 10,000 in cash, and 145 that no one had claimed — were the product of unlawful conduct and so recoverable property. On 13 January 2026 the NCA decided not to seek a charging decision from the CPS and referred the matter for civil recovery. Lang J granted a property freezing order on the urgent ex parte application on 20 January 2026. By application dated 19 February 2026 the respondents sought its discharge, alleging that ex parte procedure was unjustified and that the duty of full and frank disclosure had been breached.