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India will assume the presidency of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP), a multi-agency network focused on tackling and recovering proceeds of crime, in 2026. This announcement follows India's inclusion in the network's steering committee, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement read: "India, represented by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), has been included in the Steering Committee of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network - Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP), a prominent multi-agency network dedicated to tackling crime proceeds across the Asia-Pacific region and a member of the Global CARIN Network. This new role allows India to participate in ARIN-AP's decision-making and administrative responsibilities, advancing efforts to combat economic crimes and support global asset recovery." The ED further added, "In recognition of India's contributions to ARIN-AP, India will assume the presidency of the network and host the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2026. This milestone presents a unique platform to reinforce India's leadership in asset recovery and enhance cooperation with regional and international partners." According to the release, ARIN-AP was established to facilitate cross-border collaboration on asset tracing, freezing, and confiscation. It comprises 28 member jurisdictions and nine observers, functioning as an informal yet robust network within the CARIN Network. The network operates through contact points, enabling effective communication and intelligence exchange among member agencies, alongside more than 100 jurisdictions within the CARIN Network, with the ED representing India as the nodal agency. ARIN-AP's core objectives include prioritising the recovery of assets derived from all types of crime, in alignment with international commitments. It aims to establish itself as a centre of expertise in asset recovery, fostering best practices and knowledge sharing. ARIN-AP also facilitates training, research, and partnerships with organisations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Camden Asset Recovery Interagency Network (CARIN) and promotes collaboration with the private sector to achieve its objectives effectively. The statement noted, "Law Enforcement Agencies across ARIN-AP and CARIN jurisdictions benefit from this network, as it aids in tracing assets linked to criminal activities, both movable and immovable, across borders." "Through ARIN-AP and the broader CARIN Network, agencies can informally exchange information on individuals, assets, and companies, often expediting the identification and recovery of crime proceeds," the ED added. The ED further stated, "India's participation in ARIN-AP has been instrumental in addressing the challenges of asset tracing and recovery, particularly in cases with international links. The platform has enabled the ED to obtain and share intelligence informally, paving the way for formal action through bilateral or multilateral agreements." According to the ED, "These developments align with India's priorities under the G20 framework, particularly the Nine-Point Agenda on tackling fugitive economic offenders and asset recovery, proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi." (ANI)
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