The Anti-Corruption Commission has commenced a two-day stakeholders’ consultative workshop on the Draft Criminal Asset Management Bill in Lusaka.
The workshop is aimed at gathering views from key stakeholders on the proposed legislation, which seeks to strengthen the management of assets seized, confiscated and forfeited through criminal proceedings.
Speaking on behalf of the Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Professor Gideon Mwanza says the fight against corruption must go beyond investigating and prosecuting offenders.
Professor Mwanza says there is need for effective systems to ensure that proceeds of crime are identified, seized, forfeited and managed in a manner that preserves their value and ultimately benefits the Zambian people.
Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Commission Director-General Daphne P.S. Chabu says asset recovery should not end with the seizure or forfeiture of property.
Mrs Chabu said assets can deteriorate, lose value or become vulnerable to misuse if they are not properly managed.
She says the proposed Bill provides for the establishment of a specialised Criminal Assets Management Agency to oversee the preservation, maintenance, valuation and disposal of seized, confiscated and forfeited assets.
Mrs Chabu has since urged stakeholders to provide practical and constructive input on institutional responsibilities, accountability, transparency and coordination among agencies involved in the asset recovery process.
By Niza Vomo
