News & Research

Innovative, evidence-based research is the backbone of asset recovery reform. We empower civil society with country assessments, global policy analysis, and the strategic tools necessary to drive transparency and accountability in global asset recovery efforts.

The Glencore Scandal: A Deep Dive into Asset Recovery and Global Justice

Glencore, a giant in the world of multinational commodities trading and mining, has found itself at the epicentre of one of the biggest corporate scandals in recent history. Allegations of widespread bribery and corruption have not only tarnished the company's reputation, but also raised urgent questions about the ethical conduct of multinational corporations. For those unfamiliar with the unfolding saga, Glencore stands accused of using illicit means to secure business advantages in several countries, mainly in Africa.

The Jersey Return: Public Participation and Transparency Lessons

The announcement of the Jersey return of GBP 3 million  - the latest cross border return to Kenya - was welcomed with pomp and gladness by Kenyans in general, because these had been a long coming return! The signing and announcement of the Agreement for the recovery, transfer, repatriation, disposition and management of recovered asset was completed on the 28th of March 2022. However, to date, public information on the return has been limited.

Returning assets indirectly through third-party entities

Indirect return mechanisms describe the practice of returning recovered money across borders indirectly via third-party entities that stand between cooperating governments. These entities might be called in to aid in the negotiations, as well as in the process of the distribution of the returned assets, especially in situations where there are challenging relationships between the negotiating governments and when the receiving countries lack the necessary corruption controls to mitigate the risk of re-looting the assets.