Asset Recovery Handbook: A Guide for Practitioners

Introduction

The Asset Recovery Handbook is a practical tool designed to assist practitioners in navigating the complexities of recovering stolen assets located in foreign jurisdictions. Developed by the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative, a joint initiative of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime and the World Bank, this handbook aims to provide common approaches, identify challenges, and introduce good practices in asset recovery.

Purpose and Background

• The handbook is intended as a guide for practitioners to consider their jurisdiction’s specific legal system, law enforcement structures, resources, legislation, and procedures.
• It is not a detailed compendium of law and practices but rather a practical tool for navigating the complexities of asset recovery.

Key Features

• Developed by practitioners with experience in asset recovery
• Designed to facilitate asset recovery in the context of grand corruption
• Covers strategic considerations, tracing assets, securing evidence, provisional measures, management issues, confiscation systems, and international cooperation

Methodology

The handbook is based on contributions from experienced practitioners who have worked on various aspects of asset recovery. It aims to provide a practical guide for practitioners navigating the complexities of recovering stolen assets located in foreign jurisdictions.

Organization and Structure

• The handbook consists of nine chapters and 10 appendixes of additional resources
• Chapter 1 provides an overview of the asset recovery process and legal avenues for recovery, along with practical case examples
• Chapters 2-7 cover strategic considerations, tracing assets, securing evidence, provisional measures, management issues, confiscation systems, and international cooperation

Target Audience

The primary purpose of this handbook is to facilitate asset recovery in the context of grand corruption, particularly as outlined in chapter V of UNCAC. However, asset confiscation and recovery can be applied to a wider range of offenses, including those related to narcotic drugs and transnational organized crime.

Key Takeaways

• The handbook provides practical guidance on recovering assets stolen by corrupt leaders and hidden abroad
• It takes into account the complexities of international cooperation and jurisdiction-specific laws and procedures
• Asset recovery can be applied to a wide range of offenses, including grand corruption, narcotic drugs, and transnational organized crime