India has joined the Steering Committee of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network – Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP), a major multi-agency initiative focused on combating proceeds of crime in the Asia-Pacific region. This involvement, led by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), positions India among the countries at the forefront of global efforts to recover assets linked to criminal activities and further strengthens its commitment to international cooperation against financial crimes, the financial investigation agency said on Wednesday.

This new role will enable India to actively participate in ARIN-AP’s decision-making and administrative responsibilities, furthering its mission of combating economic crime and supporting asset recovery on a global scale.

ARIN-AP was established to facilitate cross-border cooperation on asset tracking, freezing and confiscation. The network includes 28 member jurisdictions and nine monitors, serving as an informal but robust framework within the Camden Asset Recovery Interagency Network (CARIN). CARIN operates through a network of contact points that enable effective communication and exchange of intelligence among member organizations covering more than 100 jurisdictions, with ED representing India as the nodal point.

The Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network – Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP) has identified several key objectives aimed at enhancing asset recovery efforts across the region. Key objectives include prioritizing the tracking and recovery of assets linked to all forms of crime, positioning itself as a center of expertise in asset recovery, and encouraging collaboration through training and partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). and Camden Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network (CARIN).

India’s participation in the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network – Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP) has been effective in tackling asset tracking and recovery challenges, especially in cases with offshore links. The platform empowered the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to leverage this network to collect and share intelligence, paving the way for official actions through bilateral and multilateral agreements. This is in line with India’s priorities under the G20 framework, particularly the Nine Point Agenda on combating fugitive economic criminals and asset recovery proposed by the Government of India.

As India continues to strengthen its commitment to combat financial crimes, its active participation in ARIN-AP is vital to enhancing cooperation and effectiveness in global asset recovery initiatives.