Transparency in asset recovery
Accessible access to information around cases, legislation, policy and statistics is vital for public engagement in asset recovery and for civil society and journalists to support the process.
Transparency is vital in the recovery and return of assets stolen through corruption. Proactive disclosure of data and documents are key elements of public accountability. This includes publication of amounts frozen, confiscated, and returned, case information, legal frameworks and return agreements.
Too often asset recovery takes place behind closed doors and with little information being published. When information is published it can come too late for civil society and the public to play an effective monitoring role. It can also come without clear justification, making it challenging to understand why certain decisions have been taken.
Advancing transparency has been a priority in our work since CiFAR was founded and is one of the key results area in our 2024-2027 Strategy. Our work includes uncovering and publishing information with other civil society groups, supporting investigative journalism, and promoting the greater publication of asset recovery information with governments.
Latest research
Information and data availability in asset recovery
This briefing, based on a 2025 survey conducted through the UNCAC Coalition Asset Recovery Working Group, assesses the availability and accessibility of asset recovery data across 15 jurisdictions, covering both major asset-returning states and countries involved in efforts to return stolen funds to their jurisdiction.
