The Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Action Series reached two years of operation this summer. Rather than simply enumerating the number of case consultations held—though there are many—it is important to analyze how the GFAR Action Series process has evolved over this period, why it is effective, and what more can be done to maximize its impact—especially as we look ahead to the upcoming 11th Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the UN Convention against Corruption.
Since its launch in July 2023, the Action Series has served as a platform for dialogue, case coordination, and the development of concrete next steps for asset recovery. The process is not just about returning assets; it is about building capacity, fostering international cooperation, and building trust.
Concrete examples illustrate the progress made through the Action Series.
In 2024, the Swiss Federal Criminal Court maintained a block on a villa in Geneva linked to Vladimir Plahotniuc, and USD 190 million were frozen by a foreign jurisdiction in a money laundering case related to the Laundromat scheme for Moldova.
An agreement to transfer USD 53 million in forfeited assets to Nigeria to be used for electrification projects across the country and to be disbursed through a World Bank trust fund was finalized in early 2025.
The first return to Ukraine from France was achieved through the joint work of an international joint investigation team (Ukraine, France, Estonia) and seizures in multiple jurisdictions were carried out through the coordination of multiple joint investigative teams.
Most recently, Zambia recovered a helicopter in a high-profile corruption case with the help of authorities from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Algeria, Bangladesh, Honduras, Iraq, Seychelles and South Africa are also benefiting from the Action Series’ case coordination, with practitioners from requesting and requested states working together to advance complex asset recovery cases. These successes are not just financial wins; they are powerful signals that corrupt officials will be deprived of their illicit gains, and that international cooperation can overcome political, legal and technical barriers. Sri Lanka has recently requested to join, taking up efforts that had been initiated when they were in the initial 2017 GFAR cohort and showing that asset recovery is a long haul endeavour.
Why the Process Works
Its effectiveness is rooted in its flexible yet structured approach, bringing together practitioners from both requesting and requested states, fostering an environment for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Upstream preparation of asset recovery case consultations through country support have enabled more focused and practical discussions and regular check-ins create momentum around cases. This is particularly important given the inherent complexity of asset recovery, which often spans multiple jurisdictions and legal systems, and involves a diverse array of actors.
The Action Series approach is also distinguished by its grounding in evidence and learning. The StAR Initiative has developed a range of knowledge products—such as the Asset Recovery Handbook and guides on non-conviction-based forfeiture—that equip practitioners to navigate the technical and legal hurdles of asset recovery. This focus on learning and adaptation is also consistent with technical assistance needs identified under the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism as well broader World Bank strategies for governance reform, which emphasize the need for flexible, context-sensitive interventions and the strengthening of domestic institutions over time.
Strong partnerships further reinforce the GFAR Action Series’ impact. The Action Series makes full use of respective institutional mandates and strengths. IACCC provides intelligence and case support, ICAR offers in-country mentoring and case support, and StAR delivers tailored legal and capacity-building support, facilitating engagement with requested jurisdictions. This collaboration ensures comprehensive support without duplicating efforts.
Maximizing Efforts: What More Can Be Done
Looking ahead, there is a clear need to move beyond incremental improvements and address the underlying factors that limit the scale and sustainability of asset recovery efforts. A key priority is to build the capacity of focus countries so that, following targeted engagement, they can independently pursue asset recovery and eventually ‘graduate’ from the GFAR Action Series. This strategy not only optimizes the use of resources but also enables new countries to receive intensive support, fostering a continuous cycle of capacity building.
Equally important is the need for sustained political commitment and effective management of returned assets. Progress depends on governments prioritizing asset recovery and investing in necessary reforms, with the GFAR Action Series playing a pivotal role by engaging civil society, facilitating dialogue, and highlighting the developmental benefits of asset recovery. Transparent allocation and utilization of recovered funds for sustainable development are critical to maintaining public trust and demonstrating tangible impact.
Looking Ahead to COSP
At the upcoming COSP, StAR will showcase not only the concrete progress achieved through the GFAR Action Series—whether freezes, confiscations or returns—but also the evolution of the process itself. StAR has developed a lessons learned survey for focus countries, partners and requested jurisdictions and looks forward to sharing the results and insights shared by countries. Key themes will include the need for informal international cooperation; challenges in obtaining cooperation and overcoming political and legal obstacles; the role of civil society and implementation of returns. The COSP will be an opportunity to reaffirm commitments and chart a path forward for even greater progress.