Lawyers, couriers and accountants could be jailed if they turn a blind eye to criminal activity they profit from, under Home Office plans.
It wants to see a new offence of "participation in an organised crime group" to target those who have reasonable cause to suspect they are part of an illegal enterprise.
Tougher sanctions will also claw back more of the profits from crime.
There is currently £1.5bn outstanding in unpaid confiscation orders.
This is double the amount seized in criminal assets since 2010.
In March, MPs criticised the government for allowing criminals to keep the proceeds of crime by choosing to go to jail instead.
The Public Accounts Committee said just 26p in every £100 of criminal proceeds was clawed back by authorities last year.
'Veneer of respectability'The Home Office believes too many people are helping criminal gangs by not asking questions about why their services are required before denying any knowledge when cases reach court.
It is hoping to target people such as couriers or van hire companies helping to move counterfeit goods, or lawyers and accountants who assist criminals with services such as writing up contracts.
It says the new offence would also target the "Mr Bigs" in charge of criminal networks who do not always "get their hands dirty".
Those convicted under the new offence would face up to five years in jail and could be subject to further civil measures.
The Home Office also says greater powers will be given to the National Crime Agency and the police to seize criminal assets more quickly and close loopholes used by criminals to get round confiscation.
There is currently £1.48bn outstanding in unpaid confiscation orders but only £746m of criminal assets have been seized, which the government says is a record amount.
Victims of crime have received £93m since 2010.
Home Office Minister Karen Bradley said: "Nobody is above the law. But for too long corrupt lawyers, accountants and other professionals have tried to evade justice by hiding behind a veneer of respectability.
"This new offence sends out a clear message to those individuals - if you are helping to oil the wheels of organised crime, you will be prosecuted and face being jailed."
The Home Office says it will legislate on the measures as soon as Parliamentary time allows.
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