The account freezing order (AFO) is a legal power that UK authorities can use to hold and recover funds that they believe are connected to criminal activities. When authorities believe that certain funds are the proceeds of a crime, or may be intended for use in committing a crime, they can secure an AFO to restrict access to these funds. The AFO will freeze a bank or building society account and prevent any access to the funds within, and this can last for up to two years while investigators work to determine their source or purpose.