New legislation on seizing criminal assets would ensure fast & efficient freezing operations everywhere in the #EU, & quicker compensation for victims.
To speed up asset freezing & confiscations & close loopholes, #MEPs on the #CivilLiberties, #Justice & #HomeAffairs Committee adopted on Tuesday a draft position on new rules w/ 50 votes in favour, 1 against, & 4 abstentions. Trilogue negotiations were authorised w/ 53 in favour, 0 against, & 2 abstentions.
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1/5
Compared to existing legislation, the new directive would also cover trafficking in #firearms, certain crimes committed as part of a #CriminalOrganization and the violation of #EU sanctions. In their position, #MEPs propose to include also illegal trafficking of #nuclear material, crimes falling within the jurisdiction of the #InternationalCriminalCourt, the illegal seizure of aircraft and ships, and #sabotage.
2/5
The agreed text would close loopholes by ensuring assets can be frozen quickly, with temporary urgency measures where necessary. The proposal would also crack down on those evading confiscation with the help of a third person, and allow confiscation in certain cases where conviction is not possible, for example in cases of illness or death of a suspect.
3/5
To make cross-border investigations more efficient, the law would harmonise the powers of asset recovery offices set up by member states, ensuring that they get access to necessary information, such as beneficial ownership registries, securities and currency information, customs data and annual financial statements of companies. Finally, to prevent assets from degrading, member states would have to set up dedicated offices to manage confiscated assets.
4/5
MEPs also want to ensure that victims are compensated before confiscation, especially in cross-border cases, and allow confiscated assets to be used for social or public interest purposes.
5/5
joe•iuculano 
