New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to take the helm of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP) in 2026, succeeding Mongolia during the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Ulaanbaatar from September 23 to 26, as announced by the agency on Friday.

Since joining ARIN-AP in 2016, India was elected to its Steering Committee in 2024.

In its new capacity, the ED will also host the network’s 11th AGM next year, uniting global asset recovery professionals to enhance international collaboration.

The ED emphasized that this presidency is a significant opportunity for India to make meaningful contributions towards bolstering international cooperation in asset recovery.

During his acceptance speech, the Joint Director of Enforcement (Coordination), HO, declared that ARIN-AP is more than just a network; it represents a family and community where practical challenges are addressed, solutions are collaboratively developed, and trust is established across jurisdictions.

Priority areas for India’s presidency include enhancing direct communication between member agencies, fostering capacity building and peer learning, and improving visibility and outreach via newsletters and success stories.

ARIN-AP serves as an informal platform that facilitates cooperation in tracing, freezing, and recovering criminal proceeds across borders.

The network comprises 28 jurisdictions and 10 observers, functioning under the larger Camden Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network (CARIN), which encompasses over 100 jurisdictions.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has encouraged both central and state agencies to utilize ARIN-AP for identifying assets linked to criminal activities, marking India’s broader initiative for coordinated enforcement efforts.

Officials stated that this presidency presents India with an opportunity to shape global policies and best practices in asset recovery while highlighting its expertise in combating money laundering and financial crimes.

This initiative builds on India’s leadership in various international platforms such as the FATF, G20, and the GlobE Network.

The ED noted that its presidency aligns with India’s “follow the money” strategy, which aims to deter organized crime by stripping criminals of their illicit gains.

This approach also complements India’s 9-Point Agenda against fugitive economic offenders presented at the 2018 G20 Summit and the principles adopted during its G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group chairmanship in 2023.