Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-20 10:02:57
The Office of the Receiver, under the leadership of Minister of Justice Ronald Shamukuni, has been tasked with safeguarding assets and properties valued at approximately P165 million since the end of January 2024. These assets were acquired from individuals suspected of criminal involvement in activities such as money laundering and corruption, and they take the form of various items including real estate, livestock, vehicles, and bank accounts. This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s figure of P136.8 million, highlighting the effectiveness of the Directorate of Public Prosecution in securing proceeds and instruments of crime.
During a session at Parliament before the Committee of Supply for the Office of the Receiver, Minister Shamukuni emphasized the challenges faced in storing and maintaining restrained properties under receivership due to prolonged litigation, which hinders their timely disposal. Despite these obstacles, there has been a notable increase in total funds forfeited to the state within the Confiscated Assets Trust Fund, now standing at P6.4 million compared to the previous year’s P2.8 million.
The Confiscated Assets Trust Fund plays a crucial role in compensating and rehabilitating victims of crime, as well as supporting capacity-building and training programs for law enforcement agencies involved in combating crimes such as money laundering, racketeering, and terrorism financing. Minister Shamukuni disclosed that P754,000 was disbursed from the fund to compensate a victim of the offense of obtaining by false pretenses.
In terms of management strategies, the Office of the Receiver has collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other law enforcement agencies to develop a Manual and Guide for the management and disposal of frozen, seized, and confiscated properties declared by the courts as proceeds of crime and terrorist assets in Botswana. This manual is designed to offer guidance on the efficient management of proceeds and instruments of crime and terrorist assets.
Overall, Minister Shamukuni commended the Directorate of Public Prosecution for its effectiveness in securing assets and funds obtained through criminal activities. The efforts of the Office of the Receiver, in conjunction with strategic partnerships with international organizations like the UNODC, demonstrate a commitment to combating crime and ensuring that ill-gotten gains are properly managed and utilized for the benefit of victims and law enforcement agencies. Through these initiatives, Botswana continues to make strides in addressing financial crimes and enhancing the integrity of its justice system.
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