Criminal forfeiture is a legal process where the government can seize assets that are connected to criminal activity. This means that if someone is convicted of a crime, the court may order the forfeiture of property or money that was used in or gained from that crime. The goal is to prevent criminals from benefiting from their illegal actions. Unlike civil forfeiture, which can occur without a criminal conviction, criminal forfeiture requires a legal judgment against the individual. The seized assets are often sold, and the proceeds may be used to support law enforcement or victim compensation programs.