In nations such as the United States, they are held by local police departments, and proceeds go to that vendor.
[1][2] The Proceeds of Crime Act now allows for a court to confiscate any goods that a person can not legally account for.
The correct term is Proceeds of Crime auctions as featured in the BBC documentary series Ill Gotten Gains.
[3] Lots at police auctions range from brand new or graded from A down in used condition, or goods may be slightly marked.
These are conducted throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, offering property forfeited as a result of violations of federal law or nonpayment of Internal Revenue Service taxes.