How Long Can A Crypto-Linked Account Stay Frozen?
The duration depends on which power was used, and an AMLA freeze has an outer limit.
Sources checked 2026-09-17 to 2026-10-05
How long can a crypto-linked account stay frozen?
It depends on which legal power was used to freeze it. An agency freeze under AMLA section 44 ends after 90 days if the person is not charged. [f5] A seizure or section 50 order lapses after 18 months without a charge. A police freeze under section 116D works differently, though it also lapses after 18 months without a prosecution [f3].
Your freeze notice or bank letter should say which power applies, so start there.
AMLA freezes and their time limits
A seizure or section 50 order under AMLA lapses if the person is not charged within 18 months [f1]. An agency freeze under section 44 ends after 90 days without a charge [f5]. An order can also end sooner, and there is no set date for it to lift.
Under section 50(1), the Public Prosecutor can order a freeze on accounts suspected of holding proceeds of crime [f2]. That can include profits from crypto trading that is under investigation.
How a police freeze differs
Section 116D of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) lets a police officer of Sergeant rank or above freeze an account at once, without a court order [f3]. The officer only needs to suspect the account is linked to crime.
This freeze lapses after 18 months if no prosecution starts. To challenge it sooner, you apply to the Sessions Court to vary or cancel it.
Getting money released while you wait
For an AMLA freeze, section 44A lets you apply to vary the freeze so money is released for reasonable living or business costs [f4]. You apply in writing to the enforcement agency that froze the account, and a more senior officer decides.
The release is not automatic. Send clear proof of the costs you need to pay, such as rent, loan instalments or salaries. A lawyer can prepare the written application and set out the costs for you.
What to do now
These orders lapse if no charge is brought within the time limit [f1] [f3]. Waiting it out is not your only option.
Find out which power was used, keep your trading and bank records, and get advice before you reply to the police or the bank, or make any application.
Sources
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Is there a maximum time an AMLA freeze can last?
Yes, but it depends on the power used. An agency freeze under AMLA section 44 ends after 90 days if the person is not charged. A seizure or section 50 order lapses after 18 months without a charge. It may end sooner, and there is no set date for it to lift.
My freeze came from the police, not under AMLA. Is the limit the same?
A police freeze under section 116D of the CPC is made at once, without a court order [f3]. It also lapses after 18 months if no prosecution starts. The difference is how you challenge it: you apply to the Sessions Court to vary or cancel it. Check the notice you received to see which power was used.
Can I get any money released while I wait?
For an AMLA freeze, section 44A lets you apply to vary it so money is released for reasonable living or business costs [f4]. You apply in writing to the enforcement agency, and a more senior officer decides. It is not automatic, so send clear proof of your costs and get advice on how to set out the request.
Related pages
If your situation is a little different, these pages cover the closest topics.
Need a Lawyer for Your Frozen Account Case?
Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
Independent information resource, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can connect you with an independent lawyer. Availability and acceptance of a case are not guaranteed. How referral works