Asset recovery for civil society and journalists
Four-day online training for civil society organisations, investigative journalists and other non-state actors interested in financial investigations and asset recovery.
Duration
4-hour virtual sessions over four days (16 hours)
Participants
Max. 25
Certificate
Provided to participants who attend at least 80% of the course and complete assignments
Language
English (French available for group bookings)
Cost
CHF 800 per person
Next dates
2–5 November 2026
Understand financial investigations and asset recovery — and how non-state actors can support them
The Basel Institute on Governance’s International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) offers a four-day online training programme for civil society organisations, investigative journalists and other non-state actors with an interest in financial investigations and asset recovery.
The course equips participants to identify and trace illicit assets using open-source intelligence (OSINT), analyse financial and corporate information, and understand the practical procedures and challenges law enforcement faces when investigating financial crime and recovering stolen assets.
Participants work in groups on a simulated corruption case in which a senior public health official embezzles funds earmarked for hospital construction. Using publicly available tools, groups trace the assets both domestically and internationally, exploring both informal channels and formal mutual legal assistance processes.
Course details
- Target audience: Civil society practitioners, investigative journalists, compliance professionals, international investigations specialists, policymakers and other professionals with a relevant interest in asset recovery.
- Participants: Max. 25.
- Delivery method: Instructor-led virtual sessions combining lectures, structured discussions and practical group work.
- Costs: CHF 800 per person. Group bookings available – please email training@baselgovernance.org.
- Language: English. French available for group bookings.
- Timing: Four hours per day over four consecutive days.
- Certificate: Certificate of Completion from the Basel Institute issued to participants who attend at least 80% of live sessions and complete the assignments.
What does the course cover?
Over four days, participants develop the ability to:
- Identify and trace illicit assets using OSINT Use open-source intelligence tools and publicly available databases to find and follow assets across jurisdictions.
- Analyse financial and corporate information Read and interpret financial statements, corporate filings and beneficial ownership data to uncover hidden links and red flags.
- Understand financial investigation and asset recovery procedures Get a practical view of how investigators and prosecutors build a case — from intelligence gathering to evidence assessment and case strategy.
- Recognise law enforcement challenges Understand the legal, procedural and resource constraints that shape what can — and cannot — be achieved through formal investigation and mutual legal assistance.
- Enhance the role of non-state actors Learn how civil society, journalists and other non-state actors can complement and support formal asset recovery efforts effectively and responsibly.
The course is built around a simulated corruption case study involving the embezzlement of hospital construction funds by a senior public health official. Groups trace the proceeds domestically and across borders, exploring both informal information channels and formal mutual legal assistance.
Who are the trainers?
Availability and dates
The course takes place in four-hour virtual sessions over four consecutive days.
Upcoming courses:
2–5 November 2026
Register your interest
Private courses for your organisation are also possible. Please contact training@baselgovernance.org to discuss specific needs, timings, languages and fees.