Financial Crime World

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Belgium’s Central Office for Seizure and Confiscation: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Asset Recovery

In a bid to combat financial crimes, Belgium has established a unique one-office setting, the Central Office for Seizure and Confiscation (COSC), which offers a multidisciplinary approach to asset recovery. As part of the Belgian Public Prosecutor’s Office, COSC plays a crucial role in assisting public prosecutors, investigating judges, law enforcement officers, and other stakeholders in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

The Role and Composition of COSC

Established by Law of 26 March 2003 on the Creation of a Central Office for the Seizure and Confiscation of Assets, COSC is directly reporting to the Minister of Justice. The office is composed of management staff, including:

  • A director
  • Deputy director
  • Liaison magistrates
  • Liaison officers from the Federal Police and Ministry of Finance
  • Other experts

Asset Management

COSC has three distinct missions under one roof: Asset Management, Asset Recovery, and Special Prerogatives. As an Asset Management Office (AMO), COSC is responsible for:

  • Managing seized assets, including:
    • Cash
    • Real estate
    • Cars
    • ICT-material
    • Other valuables
  • Alienating (selling) seized items
  • Returning items to their rightful owners against payment
  • Preserving items in good condition
  • Putting some seized items at the disposal of police services

Asset Recovery

While COSC is not the competent authority for international cooperation, it has been designated by the Belgian Government as its national Asset Recovery Office (ARO). This enables the office to:

  • Facilitate international judicial and police cooperation
  • Exchange information with other AROs
  • Maintain close working relations with foreign equivalent institutions
  • Serve as a national point of contact for CARIN (Camden Asset Recovery Inter Agency Network) and UNCAC Treaty

Special Prerogatives

In addition to its core functions, COSC has special prerogatives in asset recovery after seizures and convictions. These include:

  • Providing information to officials from the Ministry of Finance responsible for executing confiscation orders
  • Conducting solvency inquiries
  • Requesting information on convicted persons’ bank accounts
  • Freezing these accounts to secure civil seizure procedures

Contact Information

For further information or questions about COSC’s services, please contact:

Rue aux Laines, 66 bte 2 8th floor 1000 Brussels BELGIUM

Tel: +32 2 557.78.81 Fax: +32 2 557.78.80 OR +32 2 557.78.79 Email: ocsc@just.fgov.be