Interpol approves new tool for recovery of illicit assets

The Interpol’s 84^th general assembly sitting in Kigali has approved a proposal to begin a pilot project to implement a new tool that will help member countries in recovering illicit criminal assets.

The tool which will be added to the World police body’s system of global police alerts, called notices would be dedicated to the tracing and recovery of assets obtained through criminal activity.

“The new notice would complement INTERPOL’s ongoing support to member countries in identifying, locating and seizing criminal assets obtained through corruption and other illegal activity,” a statement  from the meeting  noted.

It adds, “These include a global platform for information exchange, a ‘focal point’ network of dedicated asset recovery specialists in more than 115 countries, access to best practices and investigative techniques, and regular workshops and training sessions on corruption and asset recovery.”

The four day Meeting that kicked off on Monday and attracted over 700 delegates from 145 countries is looking at strategies on policing on security issues such as foreign terrorist fighters, border security, cybercrime, drug trafficking, corruption as well as asset recovery.

The general Assembly further agreed that the new notice will boost Interpol’s global fight against corruption and financial crime.

Moreover, asset recovery is on agenda of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations convention against corruption being held this week in Russia.

“INTERPOL’s decision further highlights the importance of international cooperation in recovering stolen assets and preventing criminals from deriving financial gain from their crimes,” the statement further noted.

Again, the need to enhance efforts towards global asset recovery investigations will also be a focus on the upcoming 6th Global Focal Point Conference on Asset Recovery in India from November 17 -19, 2015.