Millions of pounds have been seized from criminals in the last two years.

Officers have revealed criminals in Kent have been ordered to give up more than £9million in cash and assets in that period.

Some of the recalls made under the Proceeds of Crime Act include confiscating £13,000 from Sheerness man Aaron Shade, who was jailed last August for drug offences.

Also, in January this year the ringleader of a criminal network jailed for smuggling migrants into Kent was ordered to pay back more than £100,000.

Rameo Mohammed, previously known as Mohammed Sangak, was required to give up two cars he had bought from the proceeds of his crimes, and almost £5,000 in cash.

Financial investigators from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate use the law to make sure dealers and others do not benefit from crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Downing said: "Police officers regularly come into contact with people who drive expensive cars and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle without a reasonable explanation for where the money for it all came from.

"Others make efforts to keep their incomes secret but instead have large amounts of cash hidden within their homes.

"It is important to remember that a police investigation does not always end when an offender is sent to prison, as we are keen to ensure they do not continue to reap the financial rewards of their crimes after they have been released.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act is a vital piece of legislation that allows us to target criminals in this way.

"It can also be used in cases where we have been unable to prove a person was responsible for a criminal act, but when the courts agree with us that the money or property was gained unlawfully."

Anyone who believes someone has unexplained wealth is asked to report it to Kent Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.