The National Crime Agency (NCA) has seized seven properties across the North West of England from an individual believed to be part of an organised crime group.

Philip Atkinson, 32, of Offerton, Stockport, has been ordered to hand over his properties, including his own home, to the NCA after they were shown to be directly linked to criminal activity.

The total value of the order is one of the largest in the North West standing at approximately £800,000 as this includes Mr Atkinson’s bank accounts and other valuables which were also seized.

Mr Atkinson has denied being involved in criminal activity but officers from the NCA’s specialist Civil Recovery and Tax investigative teams satisfied the High Court that all the properties had been bought with proceeds of crime.

“He had numerous opportunities to try to resolve this matter before the court hearing but chose not to,” said Director of NCA’s Economic Crime Command, Donald Toon.

“Not only is he unable to benefit from his criminality, but we believe this will significantly disrupt any future criminal activity by him and his associates.

“The NCA will use all its powers to pursue the assets of criminals, no matter how carefully they have been hidden.”

It is alleged that the supply of Class A drugs, money laundering and mortgage fraud were used to fund the purchasing of the properties in question.