§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much money, attained through the proceeds of corruption in developing countries, has been confiscated by the National Confiscation Agency each year since 1999; [75074]
(2) what efforts are being made to channel money, attained through the proceeds of corruption in developing countries and confiscated through the National Confiscation Agency, back to the country of origin. [75073]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthNone. Since 1999, no sums have been realised by any of the criminal justice agencies from confiscation orders relating to corruption in developing countries. The Assets Recovery Agency, the body established under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to investigate and recover unlawfully held assets, will not commence operations until early in the new year.
I should add that the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 also brings forward the point at which assets may be restrained to the start of a criminal investigation. At present, restraint is only possible when proceedings have or are about to be instituted which may be too late to prevent assets from being dissipated. The international co-operation provisions of Part 11 of the Act will also enable co-operation to be provided without the need to designate overseas authorities for assistance, enabling assistance to be given much more readily when cases arise.
In this context I should also note two new provisions which should assist in combating corruption in developing countries. Section 108 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 ensures that foreign agents are covered by the law on bribery and corruption. Section 109 extends UK jurisdiction in respect of acts committed abroad by UK nationals and bodies incorporated under UK law which would amount to corruption offences if committed here. These provisions were brought into force on 14 February 2002.
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