Council Decision 2007/845/JHA of 6 December 2007 concerning cooperation between Asset Recovery Offices of the Member States in the field of tracing and identification of proceeds from, or other property related to, crime

Rapid information exchanges help to combat cross-border organised crime. There is a need for close cooperation and direct communication between the relevant authorities of Member States involved in the tracing and confiscation of illicit proceeds.

To this end, each Member State is to designate at least one national Asset Recovery Office. These offices aim to facilitate the tracing and identification of proceeds of crime and other crime-related property. The freezing, seizure or confiscation of the proceeds is decided in judicial proceedings.

Member States are to ensure that their Asset Recovery Offices cooperate with each other, exchanging information rapidly either of their own accord or upon request. These exchanges of information are to follow the procedures established under Framework Decision 2006/960/JHA on simplifying the exchanges of information and intelligence between law enforcement authorities of Member States.