Foundations of Asset Recovery, Confiscation and Non-Conviction-Based Forfeiture

Course overview

Taking the profit out of crime is now a central aim of anti-corruption and anti-money laundering policy across Africa, but many officers who are expected to support recovery have never been taught how it works end to end. This introduction to asset recovery course gives them a clear, practical foundation, so they understand where their role fits and how to contribute effectively.

Participants learn what proceeds and instrumentalities of crime are, the stages of the recovery process from identification and tracing to restraint, confiscation, management and disposal, and the differences between conviction-based confiscation, non-conviction-based forfeiture and administrative routes. They are introduced to basic financial investigation techniques, common ways in which assets are concealed, the main sources of information and the roles of FIUs, investigators, prosecutors, courts and asset management offices. Each day includes short case studies, and the week ends with a group exercise analysing a suspect's profile and recommending recovery options.

Participants leave with a sound understanding of asset recovery and the confidence to take part in recovery cases and to work alongside specialist units.

What you will be able to do

• Explain the purpose and principles of asset recovery
• Distinguish proceeds, instrumentalities and legitimate wealth
• Describe each stage of the asset recovery process
• Compare conviction-based confiscation with non-conviction-based forfeiture
• Identify common concealment methods and sources of information
• Explain the roles of the main institutions involved in recovery
• Recommend suitable recovery options for a straightforward case

Who should attend

For officers who are new to asset recovery or who support it from related roles. No prior experience of financial investigation is required.

• New asset recovery officers
• Law enforcement officers
• Prosecutors
• AML/CFT compliance officers
• Anti-corruption officers
• Internal auditors
• Regulatory enforcement staff
• Court and registry officers

Course outline

Fees are per participant in US dollars and cover tuition, course materials and your certificate. Travel and accommodation are not included.