News

Maximizing the Value and Impact of Recovered Assets Through Streamlined End-Use

Last month, the Kenyan Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) handed over proceeds from corruption recoveries, including 511.4 million shillings (USD 3.96 million) in cash and 35 title deeds for 18.71 acres valued at 5.5 billion shillings (USD 42.7 billion). This action highlights the agency’s focus on asset recovery as part of its anti-corruption efforts. These assets, particularly land, have been repurposed for social use in several instances, demonstrating progress in social reuse. However, important questions arise regarding the use of recovered funds, their oversight, and the beneficiaries.

Asset Recovery in Angola: CSOs demand clarity on the recovery of assets of Isabel dos Santos in Portugal

Mãos Livres, Omunga, Pro Bono Angola and Uyele, Angolan civil society organisations currently working with CiFAR under the ongoing Capacity Support Framework, have written an open letter to the Attorneys General of Angola and Portugal demanding clarity about the asset recovery processes related to Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of former president José Eduardo dos Santos, who ruled Angola for 38 years (1979-2017).

New project spotlight: Corruption in Paradise

How is illicit finance affecting the housing market in cities, what can cities do to challenge illicit financial flows that are affecting their real estate markets and what is the role of real estate agents in this? While these are typically questions thought of in global financial centres – think London, Paris or Hong Kong – these are increasingly becoming questions for cities that are regional hubs for illicit finance. These regional hubs are facing similar challenges in terms of the rapid development and purchase of hotels, casinos and other buildings funded through illicit finance, with consequences for housing, social and urban development policies.

Strengthening Asset Recovery in Africa: Multistakeholder Dialogue on the Implementation of CAPAR and Asset Recovery Initiatives

The CAPAR Civil Society Network, Civil Forum for Asset Recovery (CiFAR) and Transparency International, co-hosted a two-day workshop on the Common Africa Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) and Asset Recovery in Africa, held in Nairobi, Kenya on April 25-26, 2024. It brought together policymakers, regional bodies, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage in collaborative dialogue on enhancing asset recovery efforts in Africa.

What are countries doing to investigate and confiscate sanctioned assets belonging to Russian oligarchs?

To answer this question, CiFAR has recently conducted research published in a report From Sanctions to Investigations. Legislation, policy and practice linking investigations into the origins of sanctioned assets and recommendations for governments to strengthen the investigation and confiscation of sanctioned assets in From Sanctions to Investigations. Policy brief and recommendations.