MOVING CONFISCATION POLICIES FORWARD: DATABASES TO SUPPORT ASSET MANAGEMENT IN THE EU

Abstract

Over the past decades, many EU and non EU countries have amended their legislative and
institutional framework on proceeds from crime confiscation to deprive criminals of their assets
more effectively and to better manage and dispose of them. There are still, however, some underresearched issues that could greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of confiscation
policies. One of these issues is the contribution that databases could give to asset management
and disposal. This article responds to the following questions: which supranational
standards/recommendations regarding the setting up of databases to support asset management
have been developed so far? Which Member States do have a database on seized and confiscated
assets? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are the ways forward in this area?