Singapore takes over ARIN-AP presidency from India

This press release, issued by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), reports the conclusion of the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network, Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP) in New Delhi and the transfer of the network's presidency to Singapore. It matters to citizens as it outlines regional efforts to recover proceeds of crime and return assets to victims.

Who it concerns: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Singapore (Attorney-General’s Chambers), ARIN-AP member jurisdictions (32 members and 10 observers), and partner agencies including the UK, US, Italy, and Ukraine.

What the ED says it did

• The 11th ARIN-AP AGM concluded in New Delhi on 30 September 2026.
• India handed over the ARIN-AP Presidency to Singapore for 2027.
• The meeting theme was 'Closing the Loop: From Tracing to Return', focusing on the full lifecycle of asset recovery cases.
• Discussions covered tracing virtual assets, non-conviction based confiscation, asset management, and the return of assets to victims or the exchequer.
• India shared its experience of restoring assets to victims under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
• The Director noted that revisions to FATF Recommendations 4 and 38 will shape future assessments of confiscation regimes.

Also in the document

• ARIN-AP was launched in Korea in November 2013 and is modelled on the European CARIN network.
• Special invitees included the Financial Conduct Authority and HM Revenue and Customs (UK), IRS Criminal Investigation (US), Guardia di Finanza (Italy), ARMA (Ukraine), and Asset Reality.
• Mr. David Chew, Chief Prosecutor for International Engagement at the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Singapore, received the presidency on behalf of Singapore.
• The Director emphasized that informal cooperation is most effective when planned alongside formal legal requests.