Moving confiscation policies forward: databases to support asset management in the EU

Over the past decades, many EU and non EU countries have amended their legislative and institutional framework on proceeds from crime confiscation to deprive criminals of their assets more effectively and to better manage and dispose of them. There are still, however, some underresearched issues that could greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of confiscation policies. One of these issues is the contribution that databases could give to asset management and disposal. This article responds to the following questions: which supranational standards/recommendations regarding the setting up of databases to support asset management have been developed so far? Which Member States do have a database on seized and confiscated assets? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are the ways forward in this area?