Police stole billions in a 20 year period because of the profit sharing incentive behind civil asset forfeiture between federal and local governments.
Nobody likes it when a burglar breaks into their house and steals their property. No store owner looks forward to a day when someone points a gun at them and steals money from their business.
But, as you’re about to discover, thieves aren’t the only people who eagerly steal someone’s property.
In fact, I was surprised to find out that another organized group has actually stolen more property from 2000-2020 than burglars…
$68.8 Billion Stolen By U.S. Police And Federal Authorities!
This was accomplished by leveraging a policy known as civil asset forfeiture, which is more like a loophole, according to the Institute for Justice: From 2000-2020, “states and the federal government have forfeited [i.e., stolen] at least $68.8 billion—that we know of.”
Of course, not every state provides full data, so that figure is likely to be severely underreported. But the bottom line is, each year the authorities confiscate more money and property than burglars do.
The Institute’s report, titled “Policing for Profit,” also reveals another disturbing fact. Once property is seized, it’s challenging and sometimes not worthwhile to reclaim it:
First, owners must initiate a lawsuit in court, file a claim with the seizing agency or prosecutor, or respond to the government in court.
There isn’t any guarantee a U.S. citizen would get their property back, and on that basis alone most don’t even try.
That makes this egregious violation of liberties extremely hard on property owners — but great for local, state, and federal governments that are looking to score an easy payday.
“Okay,” you say. “But the government only goes after criminals, right?” Unfortunately, that’s WRONG. The truth is…
Most Civil Asset Forfeiture Happens For No Good Reason
In about 80 percent of all civil asset forfeiture cases, the police don’t even pursue charges. None, nada, zip.
And here’s the evil part: All it takes is mere suspicion of a crime, and forfeiture can take place. Once assets have been seized, innocent U.S. citizens who want their property back have a long (and expensive) road ahead of them.
That’s because — unlike law enforcement — victims of civil asset forfeiture have to follow the legal process I just outlined, and then roll the dice.They might get their stuff back (at incredible expense) — or they might not.
Most people would call the practice of civil asset forfeiture theft, especially if there was no crime committed by the citizen in the first place.
Nevertheless, police departments have tried to justify this particular form of theft by claiming it helps them take down drug kingpins. The problem is, a 2020 study revealed that their excuse doesn’t hold water (the median drug take was only $1,300 per monetary seizure).
So law enforcement at the state and federal levels seize billions in assets, but where does the money go? That’s a good question to ponder. Because based on the data it seems like they’re robbing innocent people and profiting from the proceeds rather than addressing (and discouraging) crime.
And despite the obvious moral issues, law enforcement seems to be able to carry out these seizures effortlessly, even if a state has decent legal protection for property owners. With that in mind, here’s their “secret”…
This Giant Legal Loophole Makes It Easy For U.S. LEO’s To Take Your Property
“Equitable sharing” is a phrase that sounds innocent enough at face value. But when it comes to civil asset forfeiture, this phrase takes on a more nefarious meaning.
The “Policing for Profit” report briefly explained the basics:
Equitable sharing gives state and local agencies another avenue for forfeiting property and gaining a share of proceeds—one backed by the resources of the federal government. More than that, though, the program enables law enforcement agencies to circumvent their own state’s forfeiture laws in favor of forfeiting property under federal forfeiture laws […]
So it looks as though the U.S. Federal Government provides states with leverage for their police to act much like the mafia would — so they can take stuff from innocent citizens with impunity.
And with $68 billion confiscated, it’s a good bet it’s too lucrative for them to voluntarily stop. That means you should have a backup plan if this “mafia” ever eyes your assets.
How to Keep Your Options (and Exits) Open
Today, it’s more important than ever to be able to leave the country you live in and set up shop in a foreign country. And I’d like to show you how to do that.
As you probably know, I’ve been living the life of a “digital nomad” since 2001. And during that time, I’ve learned dozens of extremely valuable lessons about how to keep your options open and maximize your freedom.
I created GWP Insiders to share those lessons.
In fact, I recently updated the entire membership area and I’m relaunching it as GWP Insiders 3.0. And, for a limited time, you can save 70% on membership.
Why should you seriously consider this?
GWP Insiders is a complete roadmap of internationalization strategies for location independent entrepreneurs and investors looking for answers to tax, residency, wealth, and lifestyle questions.
When you become a member of GWP Insiders, you’ll have access to some of the most valuable and closely guarded secrets the wealthy use to protect and grow their wealth. For example, you’ll discover:
- The biggest tax haven in the world (most NEVER get this right).
- How to create offshore bank and brokerage accounts to store and grow your wealth.
- How to structure your business to minimize or eliminate taxes.
- How to obtain citizenship and a second passport in less than one year. (This is a huge benefit.)
- The best opportunities for investing in foreign real estate.
And much, much more.
Right now, you can save 70% on your GWP Insiders 3.0 membership. But please hurry because this offer won’t last much longer.
To living privately,
Bobby Casey
Location Independent Entrepreneur
P.S. I hope the police never come knocking with the intent of taking a big chunk of your assets. But it’s still smart to plan as if they will.
To help you prepare a “plan B,” I invite you to become a GWP Insiders member and learn the strategies for keeping your options (and exits) open…
