Fight against organized crime depends on asset recovery

Maputo, 22 Jun (AIM) – Mozambican Attorney-General Beatriz Buchili declared on Friday that success in the fight against organized crime depends on the recovery of assets held in criminal hands.

She was speaking in Maputo at the close of a meeting of the three specialist bodies subordinate to her office – the Central Office for the Fight against Corruption (GCCC), the Central Office for the Fight against Organised and Transnational Crime (GCCCOT), and the Central Assets Recovery Office (GCRA).

“We have come to the end of our two day meeting, we assessed the activities of the GCCCOT, and we found that we are on the right path”, said Buchili.

Nonetheless, she stressed that the fight against organized crime can only be effective with the recovery of assets. Furthermore, the work of the GCCCT had to be constantly updated, to face the current challenges.

“We recognize the advances we have made and we have identified the challenges to be overcome”, she said. In particular, these included “the implementation of integrated strategies, and a greater commitment from all sectors to support the GCCCOT”.

As for the GCCC, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year, Buchili recommended that it develop a strategic plan, which she regarded as a vital instrument to guide the institutional progress of the GCCC.

As for asset recovery, the Higher Council of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (which Buchili chairs) has instructed that, when assets are seized in the provinces, the GCRA must be informed, and it will in turn inform the Asset Management Office.

(AIM)

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