Proceeds of crime pile up in Receiver’s office

The Office of the Receiver has seen a substantial surge in duties, with an increase in Court Orders for the seizure and return of various properties. Minister of Justice, Ronald Shamukuni, highlighted this on Friday during his presentation on the Office of the Receiver in Parliament.

Shamukuni noted that the number of Court Orders has risen from 42 to 55 over the past year, reflecting the efforts of the criminal justice system to deprive wrongdoers of the benefits of their criminal activities.

“As of January 2024, the total value of properties under the Receiver’s management has seen a commendable increase, reaching P164,485,661, up from the previous year’s figure of P136,816,960,” he stated, underscoring the effectiveness of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in securing proceeds and instruments of crime. Shamukuni highlighted persisting challenges in storing and maintaining properties under Receivership due to prolonged litigation, hindering their disposal. He noted the implemented measures such as collaborations with law enforcement agencies for storage and maintenance.

He pointed out the substantial increase in total funds forfeited to the state, now at P6,400,159, compared to the previous year’s P2,799,808. Shamukuni attributed this increase to successful auctions generating P1,201,256. These funds, he explained, may be used for victim compensation, rehabilitation, and capacity building for law enforcement agencies involved in combating crime like money laundering and terrorism financing. About P753,890 was disbursed from the fund to compensate a victim of obtaining by false pretences.

Shamukuni highlighted the development of a Manual and Guide for managing seized and confiscated properties, developed in collaboration with the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes) and other law enforcement agencies, aimed at the efficient management of crime proceeds and terrorist assets. Regarding budget proposals, the minister suggested P14,948,140 for recurrent expenses, covering salaries, allowances, and operational costs, including property maintenance.

For development projects in the 2024–2025 period, the Office of the Receiver is working on establishing a Gaborone Warehouse, scheduled for completion by February 2026, with a budget of P40,000,000.

“Additionally, the Office of the Receiver is developing an Asset Management System project, facilitated by SmartBots through a hackathon process, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in property management. “This innovative project involves collaboration with experts in the field to design and build the software. The budget submitted for the project was P8,000,000 and has been revised to P6,200,000,” he said.