I don't know if the analogy is appropriate but I'll tell you what happens to stolen property in a pawn shop in the state of NSW.
If Police have reason to believe property in a pawn shop is stolen, they place a suspension notice on it so it cannot be sold. Police can then continue their investigation whilst the evidence is in tact.
IF the investigation goes nowhere, the suspension notice is lifted and the property can be sold. Tough for the pawn shop as these can go for a long time depending on the associated crime and it's statute of limitations.
IF the investigation results in the prosecution of an offender, the item is seized for evidence. If the prosecution if successful, the item is returned to the owner and the pawn shop is left out of pocket. The onus is on the pawn shop to make sure all items it purchases are legitimate. That's the nature of the business, but it's also why they ask for ID and record serial numbers, and reject dodgy junkies with a new laptop or plasma that "doesn't fit the wall". The pawn shop is left to claim its money back in a civil suit or perhaps through the criminal court via compensation depending on the outcome of the matter.
Regardless, corporate law is totally different to criminal law, not just regarding specific legislation but in onus of proofs and right to property.
