A new tool to improve international cooperation in asset recovery efforts in investigations potentially spanning the globe has been unveiled. The launch of the Secure Email Capability for Asset Recovery (SECAR) developed by INTERPOL means that for the first time within the anti-corruption community, an innovative tool will enable the instant and secure exchange of information and technical knowledge on corruption and related asset recovery. According to INTERPOL, mediate and real-time information exchange is essential in such investigations as any delay significantly reduces the chance or recovering stolen assets. The SECAR platform also provides investigators access to a 24-Hour Initial Action Checklist for an asset recovery investigation. The checklist gives a framework when initiating a stolen asset investigation, to ensure that key steps in the crucial first 24 hours of an investigation are covered, including, identifying and interviewing relevant witnesses, freezing and seizing proceeds of crime, and obtaining relevant documents.
