Overcoming Cross-Border Obstacles to the Freezing, Confiscation and Recovery of Assets: the Work and Assistance Given by Eurojust – Case Studies

The e-presentation explains Eurojust’s work in relation to how its Financial and Economic Crime Team assists Member States in their work in freezing, confiscating and recovering assets. The various tools and instruments that the Agency has at its disposal are detailed, especially in relation to mutual legal assistance and the exchange of cross-border information. Barriers to international cooperation are highlighted, as are practical difficulties when dealing with cross-border investigations and actions. The debate surrounding non-conviction-based confiscations, civil confiscation and civil asset forfeitures is explored, as is the European Court of Human Rights’ approach to the matter. The presentation concludes with some case studies showing how Eurojust was able to support Member States in various cross-border investigations.