The Asset Recovery Agency Thursday handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations two vehicles that were illegally acquired.
ARA director Brig (Rtd) Alice Mate said the handover reflected a mutual commitment to fighting money laundering, fraud and illicit activities.
“The recovery and repurposing of these assets serve as a stark reminder to criminals that crime does not pay,” she said.
“And that all proceeds of crime will be identified, seized and put to legitimate use for the benefit of the nation.”
She spoke at DCI headquarters when she handed over the vehicles for use.
The four-wheel-drive cars were received by DCI Mohamed Amin.
ARA is mandated with intervening to find and recover proceeds of crime and properties used for or intended for use in committing an offence.
To facilitate this, it has partnered with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
This partnership 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 the proceeds of their crimes, Mate said.
She said the agencies leverage intelligence and investigative capabilities to trace and recover illegally acquired assets.
She warned those engaged or intend to engage in money laundering, financing of terrorism and other financial crimes that the move should serve as a strong warning.
“The government remains resolute in the pursuit of justice, and our agencies will put all effort into recovering and repurposing ill-gotten wealth,” Mate said.
She added that the days of criminals enjoying the proceeds of their unlawful activities are numbered. Amin said the DCI will continue to collaborate with other agencies in the fight against crime.
“We are here to serve the
public and we also warn
those engaged in crime that
their time to pay back will
come,” he said.