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Virginia: Legislation requiring the forfeiture of vehicles used in human trafficking passed the Virginia General Assembly unanimously and was signed by Virginia Governor McDonnell! (
May 4, 2010)
Human trafficking generates over $36 billion in profits annually. Significantly raising the financial risk to traffickers reduces the incentive to commit human trafficking. High criminal penalties for human trafficking, including incarceration and fines, are a good start. However, requiring mandatory asset forfeiture that applies broadly to all assets connected to the criminal activity and to all ill-gotten gains will create an even greater deterrent. Through asset forfeiture, the criminal is penalized, a financial incentive is created for law enforcement agencies, and additional assistance can be provided to victims.
House Bill 1113 permits the forfeiture of a vehicle used in the crime of abduction – which covers human trafficking activities in Virginia – or the crime of prostituting a minor upon a first offense.
This critical legislation was introduced by Delegate Adam Ebbin in the House of Delegates on January 13, 2010. This legislation passed the House of Delegates on February 16, 2010 with a vote of 99-0 and passed the Senate on March 1, 2010 with a vote of 40-0. This legislation has now been signed by Virginia Governor McDonnell. Thank you for your support in passing such important legislation!
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