UNODC and the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative assist Uzbekistan in improving its system for the management of seized and confiscated assets.

On 4-5 August 2022, UNODC jointly with the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative of UNODC and the World Bank organized an expert discussion with the representatives of General Prosecutor’s Office (GPO), General Prosecutor’s Office Academy, the Enforcement Bureau, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan on the implementation of a system for managing seized assets in criminal cases. The discussion was led by UNODC and StAR expert consultants Ms. Hermione Cronje, the former Head of the Investigating Directorate in the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions of South Africa, and Mr. Cedric Woodhall, former head of National Criminal Intelligence Service of Great Britain. 

The event brought together over 15 mid and high-level officers, who work in analytical and operational departments of law enforcement agencies.  

Mr. Koen Marquering, UNODC’s Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer welcomed all participants of the expert discussion and briefed about the purpose of the Asset Management Project implemented by UNODC. He emphasized that an improved national mechanism for the management and disposal of seized and confiscated assets would also facilitate the use of these assets for the achievement of SDGs. He also pointed on UNODC’s global experience in assisting national authorities in combatting illicit financial flows and building knowledge, as well as in providing technical assistance on the management and disposal of seized and confiscated proceeds of crime, which is an essential element in the process of asset recovery. He mentioned that this expertise would substantially support Uzbekistan’s efforts to mobilize resources for fiscal expansion, financial stability, and improve the inclusive growth to support implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in a transparent and accountable manner.

Mr. Vladimir Kozin, UNODC ROCA Regional Anti-Corruption Advisor highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer learning and exposure of Uzbek practitioners to the best international practices to improve the country’s asset management framework. He reiterated that this work is aimed at achieving the twofold objectives of improved income generation and efficient use of public finances as well as combatting illicit financial flows through increased asset recovery of proceeds of crime.

The participants exchanged views on the valuation and other procedures in relation to seized assets in criminal cases. UNODC’s experts shared examples of asset management systems in countries, such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands.

Participants discussed the possibility of creating an asset management body/unit under the Enforcement Bureau of the GPO.

Based on event results, the participants requested UNODC and StAR to continue the peer assistance to national partners in creating efficient mechanisms for implementation of the asset management system.

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UNODC in partnership with UNDP, UNICEF and WHO is engaged in the implementation of a Joint UN Programme on Establishment of an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) for the Sustainable Development in Uzbekistan. The program aims at accelerating attainment of the SDGs in Uzbekistan through more efficient, transparent and results-oriented use of public finance resources as well as better coordinated and integrated use of public and private resources in social sectors, taking into account the specific needs of women (e.g. in healthcare and social protection).

Within the framework of the Joint Programme, UNODC is responsible for the component on effective management and disposal of seized, frozen and confiscated proceeds of crime for financing of the nationalized SDG framework, which includes the following key activities: 

- conduct an analytical review of the regulatory and policy framework, as well as the current situation and existing capacity of key national partners to manage and dispose frozen, seized and confiscated assets; develop standard processes and enhance organizational structures to allow Uzbek authorities to effectively deliver their functions on asset management and disposal;

- promote inter-agency coordination and cooperation, establish a coordination mechanism on the management of assets and disposal of frozen, seized, and confiscated proceeds;

- explore feasibility of establishing a fund from seized and confiscated proceeds of crime and recovered assets to be utilized for the purpose of SDG financing in the country; 

- develop a manual on asset management procedures and standard practices and enhance capacity of practitioners through a series of training workshops.

For more information please contact:

 

Arifa Fatikhova

Communications and External Relations Officer

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Regional Office for Central Asia

Mobile: (+998 93) 505-05-58 | Email: arifa.fatikhova[a]un.org