ID: ARW-629
In Re Restraint of Nine Real Properties in Florida and Louisiana, et al., 1:15-mc-00648 (D.D.C); ; U.S. v. Real Property Located at 1404 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, Louisiana 70433, et al., 2:15-cv-00074 (E.D. La.)
At time of reporting (2021), there was an ongoing investigation/prosecution related to this case in the country of origin (Honduras) and in the country of asset location (United States).
The outcome was owners of certain assets convicted; status of proceedings against others continuing.
This asset confiscation relates to two cases involving the United States and Honduras. The cases are (1) In Re Restraint of Nine Real Properties in Florida and Louisiana, et al., 1:15-mc-00648 (D.D.C), (2) U.S. v. Real Property Located at 1404 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, Louisiana 70433, et al., 2:15-cv-00074 (E.D. La.)
The assets confiscated were about 2-3 million USD in both cases combined.
The legal basis for international cooperation was also the Inter-American Convention on MLA in Criminal Matters.
The asset freezing/seizure order in the United States was on enforcement of Honduran restraining order against real property worth $1.5 million.
Specific factors that helped make the asset return possible in this case were successful bilateral cooperation between U.S. and Honduran authorities that facilitated the necessary linkage between underlying criminal offences and assets identified for confiscation. The US used evidence developed in Honduras to convict launderer with criminal forfeiture of assets in Louisiana; enforced a Honduran court restraining order against Florida assets and waiting for final confiscation order from Honduras.
At time of reporting (2021), an asset-sharing agreement was planned.