Statement of the CAPAR Civil Society Network on the Commemoration of Africa Anti-Corruption Day

11th July 2025 This year’s African Anti-Corruption Day will commemorate the adoption of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), with the theme of “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption.” Corruption is not a victimless crime. Its costs go far beyond the money and property stolen. Corruption greatly undermines human Read more about Statement of the CAPAR Civil Society Network on the Commemoration of Africa Anti-Corruption Day[…]

Looking Back at FFD4: What Can We Take Away for Stolen Asset Recovery?

The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) took place in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. This high-level conference was a defining moment for setting political priorities around sustainable development and reaffirming global commitments to financing development and governing it effectively. Building on a consultative process that began in 2024, Read more about Looking Back at FFD4: What Can We Take Away for Stolen Asset Recovery?[…]

Anti-corruption sanctions in numbers – looking back at 2024

2024 has seen an acceleration of targeted anti-corruption listings, with 32 new individuals being sanctioned, proving once again the use of targeted sanctions as a powerful diplomatic and anti-corruption tool. As CiFAR launches its updated Sanctions Watch platform today, which tracks individuals sanctioned for reasons related to corruption, this blog takes stock of the changed Read more about Anti-corruption sanctions in numbers – looking back at 2024[…]

Africa’s asset recovery spring?

African countries lose more than $70 billion a year in illicit financial flows, stemming from crime and corruption. Good news is, following the Nigeria example, more and more of them are stepping up their efforts in recovering stolen assets. Here are four examples we think are interesting to look at. Liberia Liberia’s former president Taylor Read more about Africa’s asset recovery spring?[…]

Europe’s forgotten corruption heaven: Moldova

Moldova – Europe’s tiny, little known and poorest country – has arguably become a giant of corruption and money laundering in the past ten years. Research indicates that the country landed in the hands of powerful kleptocrats – above all, Vladimir Plahotniuc – who were able to take control of most public institutions, making the Read more about Europe’s forgotten corruption heaven: Moldova[…]

Asset recovery in Nigeria: the good and the bad

Nigeria is likely one of the most politically active countries worldwide in its efforts to recover its assets looted through corruption. The current government of Muhammadu Buhari has particularly put the fight against corruption in Nigeria and the recovery of stolen assets at the forefront of its political agenda. Over the past three years, the Read more about Asset recovery in Nigeria: the good and the bad[…]

How Nigerians are raising their voice on asset recovery

CiFAR travelled to Nigeria last June to understand what civil society is doing to recover Nigerian stolen assets and to connect with them. It was a very inspiring experience to see many people who have no fear to raise their voice on how asset once stolen by corrupt officials and returned to Nigeria belong to Read more about How Nigerians are raising their voice on asset recovery[…]

A model case of public asset theft?

One could argue that former Ukrainian president Yanukovych is a model case for major public asset theft, how to profit from the secrecy of the global financial system and on the failures and hurdles in recovering those assets. Money, money, money, money While credible estimates are as always difficult, if not impossible to make, it Read more about A model case of public asset theft?[…]