Bringing the corrupt to justice and recovering the proceeds of corruption have become more challenging as people and assets cross borders with ever greater ease. Law enforcement authorities in corruption cases increasingly depend on international cooperation to gather evidence and recover proceeds of corruption. At present, many requests for mutual legal assistance (MLA) and asset recovery remain unsuccessful due to defects in frameworks or practice for MLA and asset recovery.

To address these defects, the Initiative’s 25 member countries conducted a thorough review on their frameworks and practice in this area in 2006-2007. To exchange experience among practitioners throughout the region, enhance implementation capacity, and to build networks among officials involved in granting and requesting mutual legal assistance, the Initiative also organised a training seminar in March 2006 and a follow-up seminar on asset recovery and mutual legal assistance in September 2007.

Download the proceedings here.