StAR Publication - The Puppet Masters: How the Corrupt Use Legal Structures to Hide Stolen Assets and What to Do About It

This new StAR report examines how bribes, embezzled state assets and other criminal proceeds are being hidden via legal structures – shell companies, foundations, trusts and others. The study also provides policy makers with practical recommendations on how to step up ongoing international efforts to uncover flows of criminal funds and prevent criminals from misusing shell companies and other legal entities.

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StAR Asset Recovery Watch Launched

Asset Recovery Watch launched by the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative, is the first systematic compilation of information on past and current recovery cases involving corruption. Among 75 cases, StAR Asset Recovery Watch features 52 countries of origin of corrupt public officials and 34 jurisdictions from which stolen assets have been recovered since 1980.

• To search the database visit the StAR Asset Recovery Watch Home Page

• Press Release
• Fact Sheet

UNCAC Legal Library and Anti-Corruption Portal Launched

The UNCAC Legal Library, released on September 1, 2011 by the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative, is a comprehensive database of anti-corruption and asset recovery legislation and jurisprudence from over 175 States, systematized in accordance with the requirements of the Convention. The Legal Library is part of a web-based anti-corruption portal known as TRACK (Tools and Resources for Anti-Corruption Knowledge). It is a powerful tool that brings together legal and non-legal knowledge on anti-corruption and asset recovery for Member States, the anti-corruption community and the general public.

StAR Publication - Barriers to Asset Recovery

Barriers to Asset Recovery, released on June 21, 2011 by the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative, advises policy makers on reforms that will enable the recovery of stolen assets. Drawing on consultations with over 50 practitioners around the globe, the study identifies challenges to asset recovery, and recommends eight strategic actions and best practices for policy makers, legislators and practitioners. It is a powerful tool that will help policy makers design a comprehensive strategy for recovering the proceeds of corruption in their countries.

Asset Recovery Handbook

Developing countries lose between $20 billion and $40 billion each year to bribery, embezzlement, and other corrupt practices. Over the past 15 years only $5 billion has been recovered and returned. A new handbook seeks to help close this gap. The Asset Recovery Handbook, released today by the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative of the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, provides practitioners with a how-to guide for recovering stolen assets.