The western allies, led by the U.S. and the United Kingdom, have offered their support to the Ukrainian government in recovering “stolen assets” — cash and other assets that the members of the former Ukrainian government under Viktor Yanukovych allegedly spirited out of the country.
The Ukraine Forum on Asset Recovery, a body set up by the U.K. and U.S. will hold its first meeting in London on Tuesday. “The gathering is a landmark for Ukraine in underscoring the rule of law and international cooperation. The international community and the Government of Ukraine are united in their commitment and determination in returning stolen assets to the people of Ukraine,” a Home Office statement said.
The two-day meeting will bring together representatives of “key international financial centres and international organisations” and senior government officials, judicial experts, prosecutors, financial intelligence analysts, and regulators. The UFAR meeting will discuss ways of recovering such assets that are often concealed behind complex corporate structures.
“The message is clear — we are making it harder than ever for corrupt regimes or individuals around the world to move, hide and profit from the proceeds of their crime,” said British Home Secretary, Theresa May, who is hosting the meeting.
Attorney General Eric Holder of the U.S. will be attending the meeting.
