UNODC continues its work in the implementation of the agreed Roadmap for 2024-2026 of the Regional Platform for Fast-Tracking the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Central Asia.
On 20-21 May 2024, UNODC ROCA, together with OSCE and the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan, hosted the conference on “Effective Strategies for Recovering Stolen Assets; Management and Disposal of Seized, Confiscated and Returned Assets and Current Issues Related to Crypto Assets in the Context of Asset Recovery”. The conference aimed to strengthen the capacity of the Central Asian countries in asset recovery and counter the challenges associated with virtual assets.
It brought together leading experts from UNODC, OSCE, StAR Initiative, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as international experts from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Ukraine, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The participants exchanged experiences on best international practices in asset recovery and management. Representatives of the Anti-Corruption Agencies, General Prosecutors’ Offices, Ministries of Justice, Ministries of Interior, Financial Intelligence Units and Specialized Asset Management Agencies of the CA countries also discussed the legislative and institutional preparedness of the region to address the challenges associated with the use of crypto assets in money laundering, economic and corruption crimes.
The UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, Ms. Ashita Mittal, during her welcoming speech, emphasized that asset recovery is one of the fundamental elements of the anti-corruption framework established by the UN Convention Against Corruption and highlighted the importance of developing asset recovery mechanisms in Central Asia.
Ms. Svetlana Artikova, Deputy General Prosecutor of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted, "I am fully committed to ensuring that assets returned are utilized for social purposes to benefit the people of Uzbekistan."
Mr. Sami Ryhänen, Head of Strategic Police Matters Unit, OSCE, stated, “Cooperation, information-sharing and specialized training for practitioners involved in asset recovery are vital for success. Networks, whether formal or informal, are of great value in enhancing the criminal justice response to trace, seize and confiscate assets.“
Mr. Iván Calabuig-Williams, Programme Officer for Economic Cooperation and Governance, OSCE, underscored this strategic cooperation with UNODC and stakeholders. He stated, “We have been implementing asset recovery projects since 2019 in five Western Balkan countries, contributing to the development of technical capacity throughout the full cycle of asset recovery. We are now very excited to extend our experience to Central Asian countries, as asset recovery is at the core of the anti-corruption efforts.”
Mr. Vladimir Kozin, UNODC Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, stressed that one of the main goals of the conference is to support the governments in Central Asia in developing a strategic vision regarding the institutional framework for accounting, managing, and assessing the impact of returned assets.
The special focus of the conference was dedicated to significant discussions on the challenges presented by cryptocurrencies in asset recovery. The decentralized and pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrencies complicates the tracing and identification of involved parties.
Ms. Tetiana Dmytrenko, UNODC Crypto Assets Expert, presented a comprehensive overview of practices in detection, seizure, and confiscation of crypto assets. She emphasized that regional dialog and cooperation, where several countries collaborate, will help to quickly exchange information, conduct investigations, and efficiently recover assets.
An essential part of the dialogue was the active engagement and cooperation of government with civil society organizations in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of asset management institutions.
As with other activities under the Regional Platform, the participants appreciated the opportunity to discuss common challenges and practical ways to tackle them with their peers from the neighboring countries.
The project is being implemented with support of Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
For more information and detailed outcomes of the conference, please visit the website of the Regional Platform: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/ft-uncac/platforms/central-asia.html
Watch the short video on the UNODC YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Qzm_vbqLqfM
For partnerships and further inquiries, please contact:
Vladimir Kozin, Regional Anti-corruption Adviser, Email: vladimir.kozin[at]un.org
Azat Irmanov, National Programme Officer on Anti-corruption, Email: azat.irmanov[at]un.org
