Illinois Judge Orders Return of Seized Property in Money Laundering Case
A Will County judge has ordered the return of four cars and investment accounts valued at $5.5 million to the owners of Kee Firearms and Kee Construction, following a money laundering investigation. The state had seized the property in 2023, but the judge ruled that the state violated a statute requiring a trial within 60 days of a claimant's answer. The state has requested an emergency stay of the order, arguing that the decision could impact the interpretation of forfeiture policy statewide. The case has sparked debate over civil forfeiture laws, which allow the state to seize property linked to financial crimes without a conviction. Critics argue that these laws enable 'policing for profit.' 
