SEVEN houses bought using proceeds from crime have been recovered in Glasgow.

The properties were taken from Harold Bennett, 49, and Christine Clements, 50, along with £45,000 cash and three designer watches.

The couple admitted the money, watches and flats had been obtained through unlawful conduct after an investigation by the Civil Recovery Unit’s (CRU) expert solicitors and financial investigators.

At the Court of Session, the CRU were granted a recovery order which means the Drumchapel properties will be sold with an estimated six-figure sum, expected to be raised for the CashBack for Communities programme.

The value of each property is estimated at between £37,000 and £135,000.

The watches were sold at auction in Edinburgh and raised approximately £5,200.

Denise Mckay, head of the CRU, said: “Unlawful conduct allowed Harold Bennett and Christine Clements to invest in multiple properties with money they were not entitled to.

“Civil recovery is a vital tool for disrupting crime in Scotland and this order sends out a strong message that we will do all in our power to recover properties and assets bought with criminal gains.

“The free proceeds from the sale of the houses and other assets will be reinvested into our communities through the CashBack programme.”