BY SAM ALFAN .
Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) has handed two high-end motor vehicles, which were forfeited to the State, to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for use.
While handing the vehicles to the DCI, ARA Director Brig (Rtd) Alice Mate ARA warned criminals enjoying proceeds of crime that their unlawful activities were numbered.
The two vehicles were recovered to suspects implicated in the National Youth Service (NYS) scandal, popularly known as NYS 1.
Mate said the vehicles were being transferred to another public entity in accordance with Section 165(1)(a) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
“This handover is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our agencies in the fight against money laundering, including other financial crimes, fraud, and illicit activities.
“The recovery and repurposing of these assets serve as stark reminder to criminals that crime does not pay as espoused in our Agency Mission and that all proceeds of crime will be identified, seized, and put to legitimate use for the benefit of the nation,” Mate said.
She sent a warning to those engaged or intended to engage in money laundering, financing of terrorism, and other financial crimes.
“Let this serve as a strong warning: the government remains resolute in pursuit of justice, and our agencies will put all effort in recovering and repurposing ill-gotten wealth.l,” she said.
“As we officially transfer these vehicles today, we reaffirm our dedication to protecting public resources and strengthening inter-agency cooperation in combating money laundering and other financial crimes. We extend our appreciation to all stakeholders. including law enforcement agencies and the Judiciary, who continue to support our mission,” she added.
The ARA director further said that the Agency has partnered with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, a move that has been instrumental in dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that those who engage in illicit financial dealings are brought to justice and do not enjoy proceeds of their crimes.
“Our agencies continue to work hand in hand, leveraging intelligence, and investigative capabilities to trace and recover illegally acquired assets,” she added.
