cross-border-asset-recovery-financial-investigations
Can assets be frozen without my knowledge?
Yes. Provisional freezing orders are routinely obtained on an ex parte basis — without notice to the asset holder — to prevent dissipation before the order is served. Challenge proceedings must be initiated promptly after service.
What is non-conviction-based confiscation?
Non-conviction-based (NCB) confiscation allows states to seize assets without a criminal conviction, based on a civil standard of proof that assets are the proceeds of crime. It is increasingly used in corruption, AML, and tax evasion cases.
How are assets traced internationally?
Through legal proceedings including court orders for disclosure by banks and corporate service providers, analysis of publicly available corporate registers, beneficial ownership databases, and specialist financial intelligence services.
Can I recover assets frozen under MLAT proceedings?
Yes, through challenge proceedings in the jurisdiction where the assets are held. We assess the legal basis of the freeze, identify procedural defects, and mount litigation to secure release of assets and, where appropriate, compensation for wrongful freezing.