Britain's Millionaire Criminals: Channel 4 Dispatches

Why are some convicted criminals still enjoying luxury lifestyles funded by their ill-gotten gains?

Successive governments have pledged to ensure crime doesn't pay and that the public purse will get these rich criminals' money.

However, a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation has discovered that dozens of fraudsters, drug dealers and money launderers are still enjoying the high life despite being convicted of serious crimes.

Luxury properties, fast cars and overseas bank accounts are supposed to be in reach of the long arm of the law.

Despite this, Dispatches reveals the institutional failings and legal loopholes that result in some of the country's most serious offenders being able to retain their criminal wealth, and discovers that the state has failed to recover even a fifth of the cash that Britain's wealthiest criminals have been ordered to pay back.

Reporter Antony Barnett speaks to police, lawyers and a convicted money launderer who explains how easy it is to avoid having criminal assets confiscated by the authorities.

He discovers a combination of legal obstacles and incompetence mean smart criminals are evading the justice system.

Dispatches goes on the hunt for the criminals who have found that crime does pay.

Monday 22 April 8PM Channel 4