UNCAC Chapter V and the Recovery and Return of Stolen Public Assets

Course overview

The United Nations Convention against Corruption was the first treaty to make asset recovery a fundamental principle, and its Chapter V sets out how states should cooperate to recover and return the proceeds of corruption. Many practitioners in the region know of it but have never used it directly in a case. This UNCAC Chapter V training explains the provisions and shows how they work in practice.

Participants study each article of Chapter V: prevention and detection of transfers of proceeds, measures for direct recovery, recovery through international cooperation in confiscation, special cooperation, return and disposal of assets, financial intelligence units and bilateral agreements. They examine how these provisions are reflected in national laws in the region, how they interact with mutual legal assistance under Chapter IV, and what the UNCAC implementation review has found. Practical sessions use the provisions in case scenarios, including direct civil actions by states in foreign courts and negotiations on return.

Participants leave able to use UNCAC Chapter V as a practical tool in recovering and returning stolen public assets.

What you will be able to do

• Explain the purpose and structure of UNCAC Chapter V
• Apply the provisions on prevention, direct recovery and international cooperation
• Use the return and disposal provisions in negotiations
• Relate Chapter V to national law and to mutual legal assistance
• Draw lessons from the UNCAC implementation review
• Plan a recovery case using Chapter V tools

Who should attend

For prosecutors, central authority officers, anti-corruption officials and policy makers working on the recovery of corruption proceeds.

• Prosecutors and state counsel
• Central authority officers
• Anti-corruption agency officials
• Ministry of justice and foreign affairs officials
• Asset recovery agency officers
• Civil society anti-corruption advocates

Course outline

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