What is the penalty for the offence of tipping off under POCA?

The penalty for the offence of tipping off under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) is indeed 2 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine. This provision aims to combat money laundering and other financial crimes by penalizing individuals who disclose information that may jeopardize investigations or statutory proceedings regarding such offenses. The rationale is to ensure the integrity of the investigative process, as tipping off can alert suspects and undermine law enforcement efforts.

Higher penalties are associated with more severe offenses, such as money laundering itself, which is why options that suggest longer prison terms or more significant fines are not applicable in this context. Tipping off is considered serious, but the law categorizes it distinctly from the more grave offenses under POCA. Hence, the established penalty reflects the proportionality principle applied in sentencing, allowing for deterrence while also recognizing the specific nature of the offense.