India Hosted 11th Asset Recovery Network Meeting
The three-day meeting in New Delhi focused on improving regional cooperation for tracing and returning criminal proceeds.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Financial Crime
The Asset Recovery Interagency Network Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP) concluded its 11th Annual General Meeting in New Delhi this week. The event, hosted by the Directorate of Enforcement, gathered international experts to enhance strategies for the confiscation and recovery of illicit funds.
Why it matters
The network plays a critical role in facilitating rapid information exchange between jurisdictions to stop criminal proceeds from being laundered across borders. Strengthening these regional ties is essential for the effective tracing and return of assets in complex financial investigations.
The ARIN-AP network currently links 32 member jurisdictions and 10 observers through a shared framework for information exchange. The network's mandate remains focused on the cross-border tracing, confiscation, and return of criminal proceeds.
The players
Directorate of Enforcement
This Indian government agency is responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting financial crime.
Asset Recovery Interagency Network Asia Pacific
This is a regional network of practitioners dedicated to the tracing and recovery of illicit assets.
The details
The event, themed 'Closing the Loop From Tracing to Return,' brought together a diverse group of prosecutors, investigators, and financial intelligence officers. Participants worked to harmonize practices for tracking illicit funds across the Asia-Pacific region.
Timeline
The ARIN-AP network was launched in Korea in November 2013.
The 11th Annual General Meeting concluded in New Delhi in October 2026.
Singapore will assume the ARIN-AP presidency in 2027.
Legal Context
This meeting follows the operational precedent set by the 2013 launch of the ARIN-AP network in Korea. It reflects a broader regional commitment to formalizing financial intelligence channels and deepening multilateral cooperation among the 32 member jurisdictions.
Increased regional cooperation helps prevent criminal organizations from utilizing cross-border loopholes to hide illicit funds. These efforts are designed to ensure higher success rates in seizing and returning assets derived from illegal activity to the public or victims.
The takeaway
The successful transition of the presidency to Singapore underscores the ongoing commitment to long-term collaboration within the Asia-Pacific region. These periodic meetings are vital for ensuring that legal and financial experts remain aligned against evolving patterns of cross-border money laundering.
What happens next
Singapore is scheduled to serve as the president of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network Asia Pacific during the 2027 term.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in international enforcement at the Financial Crime section.
