Section 462.33 — Criminal Code: Application for restraint order

The Attorney General may make an application in accordance with subsection (2) for a restraint order under subsection (3) in respect of any property. An application made under subsection (1) for a restraint order under subsection (3) in respect of any property may be made ex parte and shall be made in writing to a judge and be accompanied by an affidavit sworn on the information and belief of the Attorney General or any other person deposing to the following matters, namely, the offence or matter under investigation; the person who is believed to be in possession of the property; the grounds for the belief that the property is proceeds of crime; a description of the property; and whether any previous applications have been made under this section with respect to the property. A judge who hears an application for a restraint order made under subsection (1) may, if the judge is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there exists any property that is proceeds of crime, make an order prohibiting any person from disposing of, or otherwise dealing with any interest in, the property specified in the order otherwise than in the manner that may be specified in the order. A restraint order issued under subsection (1) has effect throughout Canada. A restraint order may be issued under this section in respect of property situated outside Canada, with any modifications that the circumstances require. An order made by a judge under subsection (3) may be subject to such reasonable conditions as the judge thinks fit. Before making an order under subsection (3) in relation to any property, a judge may require notice to be given to and may hear any person who, in the opinion of the judge, appears to have a valid interest in the property unless the judge is of the opinion that giving such notice before making the order would result in the disappearance, dissipation or reduction in value of the property or otherwise affect the property so that all or a part thereof could not be subject to an order of forfeiture under subsection 462.37(1) or (2.01) or 462.38(2). An order made under subsection (3) shall be made in writing. [Repealed, 2024, c. 15, s. 311] A copy of an order made by a judge under subsection (3) shall be served on the person to whom the order is addressed in such manner as the judge directs or as may be prescribed by rules of court. A copy of an order made under subsection (3) shall be registered against any property in accordance with the laws of the province in which the property is situated. An order made under subsection (3) remains in effect until it is revoked or varied under subsection 462.34(4) or revoked under paragraph 462.43(a); it ceases to be in force under section 462.35; or an order of forfeiture or restoration of the property is made under subsection 462.37(1) or (2.01), 462.38(2) or 462.41(3) or any other provision of this or any other Act of Parliament. Any person on whom an order made under subsection (3) is served in accordance with this section and who, while the order is in force, acts in contravention of or fails to comply with the order is guilty of an indictable offence or an offence punishable on summary conviction.