Is this just a way of getting the public on board for a dubious scheme?

As I understand it, there does not need to be a court judgement; just
'unaccounted for' assets.

If such assets were seized, should the holder not be arrested and have his
day in court? What else would be the status the asset holder? Is he lumped
with a criminal record even if there has been no Court judgement?

If the assets were from crimes, then why are they not either 1) given back
to their owners or if this is not possible, then simply destroyed; cars
crushed etc.

Why should anyone benefit from 'crime'?