GFAR Action Series

Launched in 2023, with currently 10 participating focus countries, the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Action Series concentrates on a practitioner-focused approach to making tangible progress in international asset recovery and return

For more information on the GFAR Action Series and how to join

Everything to know about the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Action Series

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Background

The GFAR Action Series builds on the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR), which was established as an outcome of the 2016 Anti-Corruption Summit, hosted by the United Kingdom. The Global Forum was co-hosted by the United Kingdom and the United States and organized by StAR in 2017. It focused on providing support to four countries: Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tunisia and Ukraine and gathered policy makers, practitioners, law enforcement agencies, academics and civil society organizations. The “GFAR Principles for Disposition and Transfer of Confiscated Stolen Assets in Corruption Cases” were adopted by the co-hosts and focus countries and are still widely referenced on the international stage.

GFAR was preceded by other asset recovery fora supported by StAR such as the Arab Forums on Asset Recovery (AFAR) from 2011-2015 and the Ukraine Forum on Asset Recovery (UFAR) in 2015. Learning from these experiences, the GFAR Action Series seeks to provide a more flexible and informal platform for making progress on cases.

About the Action Series

In the lead up to the 10th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC COSP) held in December 2023, the United States, along with France and the United Kingdom launched the GFAR Action Series, which is organized by the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative, in collaboration with the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC) and the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR).

The first GFAR Action Series meetings were held at the GlobE Network plenary meeting in July 2023 and continued at the UNCAC Working Group on Asset Recovery (ARWG) in September 2023 with practitioner focused discussions in bilateral and multijurisdictional case meetings for the two initial focus countries; Moldova and Zambia. By COSP 10 in December 2023, the number of focus countries had increased to eight, adding Algeria, Honduras, Iraq, Nigeria, Seychelles and Ukraine to the list. Over the course of 2024 and 2025, Bangladesh and South Africa have also joined the GFAR Action Series. 

The aim of the current GFAR Action Series is to reinvigorate a practitioner-focused approach geared toward making tangible progress in asset recovery and return by facilitating communication and negotiations among requested and requesting countries in connection with specific ongoing cases which have a transnational component. It promotes the use of the GFAR Principles and highlights stakeholder engagement in asset recovery and return.

The Action Series format is designed to address several challenges in the realm of asset recovery and international cooperation. 

  1. It places a spotlight on the countries of origin, ensuring increased attention and focus on specific nations and cases that often arise from post-conflict or regime change situations requiring rapid response. This targeted approach helps in prioritizing urgent cases that need immediate intervention.
  2. It fosters political will by bringing both requesting and requested countries to the table, ensuring a commitment from all parties involved in the asset recovery process. This collaborative environment is crucial for overcoming political barriers and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their objectives.
  3. It addresses the issue of lengthy formal international cooperation processes, which often lack clear timelines. By enabling case consultation meetings that focus on upstream preparation and informal cooperation prior to mutual legal assistance requests, the forum provides a secure setting with clear follow-up actions, thereby streamlining the process and making it more efficient.
  4. It tackles the lack of capacity by providing technical support to countries seeking the return of stolen assets. This includes preparation and facilitation of case meetings by StAR and its partners IACCC and ICAR, ensuring that the requesting jurisdiction provides necessary information and pursues domestic confiscation orders for foreign enforcement.
  5. It offers opportunities for peer learning and exchange of experiences, allowing countries to learn from each other's successes and challenges, and a more involved role for requested jurisdictions, thereby enhancing their own asset recovery efforts. 

Overall, this forum format is a strategic approach to overcoming the multifaceted challenges in international asset recovery, promoting cooperation, efficiency, and capacity building. 

StAR has leveraged eight different events in two years to organize asset recovery case consultation meetings at the GlobE Network Plenary meetings in Vienna and Beijing, the UNCAC Working Group on Asset Recovery (ARWG) and UNCAC Implementation Review Group (IRG) meetings in Vienna and the 10th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC COSP).

Progress made under the GFAR Action Series in 2024
Lessons learned so far

Flexible approach to case consultations

The Action Series promotes a flexible approach by accommodating a larger cohort of focus countries. This means that not all countries will have case consultations at every meeting opportunity. Instead, the timing is tailored to the progress in investigations and asset recovery processes. By piggybacking on other meetings, StAR enables cost-efficiencies for practitioners, ensuring that resources are used effectively. A more detailed analysis of impact and lessons learned of the GFAR Action Series will be developed for the upcoming Conference of the States Parties to UNCAC in December 2025.

Structured preparation for meetings

While flexibility is key, a structured approach is equally important. Case consultations are organized ahead of time to maximize the use of meeting opportunities. Although ad hoc exchanges can occur, both focus countries and requested jurisdictions appreciate knowing what is expected of them before meetings. This preparation allows for efficient use of time and resources, as evidenced by jurisdictions arriving at meetings ready to hand over evidence or responses to mutual legal assistance (MLA) requests due to early engagement.

Practitioner-oriented engagement

The success of the Action Series hinges on having the right people in the room. StAR leverages its mandate, constituency, contacts, and networks to support focus countries in identifying counterparts in the relevant requested jurisdictions and ensuring they meet with them. This practitioner-oriented approach is crucial for effective collaboration and progress.

Comprehensive support from StAR, IACCC, and ICAR

All focus countries receive support from StAR, IACCC, and ICAR through individual and sometimes joint engagements. This support is integral to the Action Series, helping countries prepare for case consultations and implement systems for asset management and returns. Continued technical assistance is essential for maximizing participation and achieving long-term goals.

Leveraging institutional mandates and strengths

The Action Series enables 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.

Importance of partnerships

The partnership with IACCC and ICAR is vital, as illustrated by successful cooperation in Moldova, Zambia, and now Bangladesh. These collaborations demonstrate how the international community can adopt a practical, hands-on approach to support countries, moving swiftly while avoiding duplication.

Accountability and momentum through regular check-ins

Preparation and follow-up on case consultations increases accountability on both sides of the asset recovery equation. Organizing regular check-ins between countries helps maintain momentum on cases, ensuring continuous progress and engagement.

Platform approach for targeted outreach

The platform approach has allowed targeted outreach to requested jurisdictions, increasing pressure and making headway with reluctant ones. Smaller jurisdictions or those lacking resources appreciate the structure of the Action Series which enables them to meet with multiple jurisdictions during the same event.

Impact and reporting

The impact of the Action Series is significant, with more detailed reporting available in the StAR 2024 annual report and for the upcoming COSP in December 2025. For instance, in Ukraine, bilateral meetings with three requested jurisdictions led to the formation of a formal Joint Investigative Team and the seizure of real estate and vehicles. This example highlights the tangible outcomes of the Action Series' collaborative efforts.

Looking ahead

Building capacity and commitment

As StAR looks to the future, our goal is for focus countries to successfully exit the Action Series after a period of engagement, having significantly built their contacts, networks, and capacity. This journey is not just about immediate gains but about laying a foundation for sustainable progress and self-reliance.

Strengthening political will and commitment

Addressing the challenges faced by focus countries requires renewed political will and commitment. Through the Action Series, StAR aims to foster an environment where such commitment is not only possible but actively pursued. By engaging with key stakeholders and facilitating meaningful dialogue, StAR aims to inspire a lasting dedication to reform and progress.

Enhancing returns and their implementation

A critical aspect of our forward-looking strategy involves more work on the returns of assets and their effective implementation. StAR is committed to ensuring that these returns are transparent and utilized for sustainable development. By doing so, StAR aims to create a positive impact that extends beyond immediate financial recovery, contributing to long-term economic and social growth.

Through these efforts, StAR envisions a future where focus countries emerge stronger, more connected, and better equipped to manage their own development paths. The Action Series is not just a program but a catalyst for enduring change and empowerment.

Opportunities for GFAR Action Series in 2025

GFAR Action Series testimonials

Past convenings of the GFAR Action Series

Sessions

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2023
Fourth Plenary Meeting of the GlobE Network
Seventeenth session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Asset Recovery
Tenth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption
2024
Eighteenth session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Asset Recovery
First resumed fifteenth session of the Implementation Review Group
Fifth Plenary Meeting of the GlobE Network
Second resumed fifteenth session of the Implementation Review Group
International expert meeting on asset return and sustainable development “ADDIS 4”
2025
Partnerships for Anticorruption Global Forum 2025

Very worthwhile experience on account of the…advice on how to go about MLAs and what is particularly important is that we are able to keep track of the progress in terms of activities that are being
undertaken. That way we are able to have an appreciation on the status of the requests and if there are any clarifications or follow ups they are promptly attended to.

Desmond Chiboola - Assistant Director Investigations, Anti-Corruption Commission, Zambia

GFAR offers the opportunity to collaborate with other countries and to make significant progress in these cases. Additionally, GFAR helped us to enhance our domestic cooperation between agencies.

Vitalie Racu - Head of Financial Investigations Directorate, Moldova