Challenges in prosecuting crypto-related crimes – Q&A with Shenaz Muzaffer

Shenaz Muzaffer, General Counsel of the International Association of Prosecutors, spoke at the 8th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies in a panel on “practical challenges in the investigation and prosecution of crypto-related financial crimes.” The two-day conference was co-organised by Europol and the Basel Institute on Governance and hosted by UNODC.

New Working Paper spotlights non-conviction based forfeiture in Latin America

Latin America has seen various legislative efforts in the fight against rampant economic and organised crime and in the endeavour to recover illicit assets relating to these crimes. Among theses efforts is a wide variety of non-conviction based (NCB) forfeiture regimes and applicable standards.

NCB forfeiture allows for the recovery of illicit assets autonomously, i.e. outside of criminal proceedings, through an independent judicial process that applies civil rules and is directed against the asset itself (in rem).

Working Paper 54: Targeting illicit wealth through non-conviction based forfeiture: Identifying human rights and other standards for Latin America

Mirella Mahlstein

Specialist, Publishing and Communications
+41 61 205 55 12
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This Working Paper explores the wide variety of non-conviction based (NCB) forfeiture laws in Latin America, with a special focus on the region’s predominant model, Extinción de dominio.

It argues that NCB forfeiture legislation, which allows for the recovery of stolen assets outside of criminal proceedings, can contribute significantly to a state’s criminal policy response to rampant economic and organised crime.

Quick Guide 32: Corruption and human rights

Mirella Mahlstein

Specialist, Publishing and Communications
+41 61 205 55 12
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The relationships between corruption and human rights are complex but cry out for exploring. Could anti-corruption benefit from a human rights perspective? How can the two communities work better together – and what are some risks and challenges?

This Quick Guide gives a brief introduction to the ideas of the Basel Institute’s Vice-President, Professor Anne Peters, and some of our initial work at the intersection of corruption and human rights.

Sustaining the momentum of the Siemens Integrity Initiative

Shawn Teixeira became Head of the Siemens Integrity Initiative in 2024, having worked tirelessly together with Sabine Zindera over many years in the oversight of 85 projects in over 50 countries with around USD 120 million in committed funding. Under their leadership, the Siemens Integrity Initiative has been a driving force in the growth and evolution of anti-corruption Collective Action.

How can Collective Action help businesses – and what are opportunities to engage?

As Chair of the Steering Committee of the Alliance for Integrity and Head of Compliance of Metro AG, Anke Struckmeier-Eickenberg has rich experience and deep insights to share with the Collective Action community.

At the 5th International Collective Action Conference in Basel, she responded to a question about how can engaging in anti-corruption Collective Action initiatives help companies to navigate complex regulation and stakeholder expectations:

Basel Institute newsletter - August 2024

Monica Guy

Senior Specialist, Communications and External Relations
+41 61 205 55 12
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The newsletter covers highlights at the Basel Institute from mid-June to mid-August 2024. It also features our latest news, blogs and other publications. We take this chance to welcome five new staff members to the team.

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“If you’re not doing crypto, it'll be done to you.” The role of financial institutions in addressing crypto-related money laundering

We live in a world where global value flows are becoming more complex, with cryptocurrencies playing a significant role in moving funds. From the perspective of banks and other financial institutions, how can we address crypto-related financial crime risks and create thoughtful regulatory policy without hindering innovation?

How can tax authorities benefit from engaging in anti-corruption Collective Action initiatives?

By Salifu Koray, Chief Revenue Officer, Ghana Revenue Authority

Speaking at the Basel Institute’s International Collective Action Conference on 25–26 June 2024, Salifu Koray explained how the Ghana Revenue Authority was engaging in Collective Action through a World Customs Organization programme. The Anti-Corruption and Integrity Programme aims to restrict corrupt behaviour and promote good governance in customs operations and administration in Ghana and seven other countries.