UAE-France workshop boosts global drive to recover criminal assets

UAE and France Strengthen Ties in Asset Recovery With High-Level Technical Workshop in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, May 16 – In a significant step toward bolstering international cooperation in the fight against financial crime, the UAE’s National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations (NAMLCFTC), in partnership with France’s Agency for the Management and Recovery of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AGRASC), conducted a high-level technical workshop in Abu Dhabi from May 14–15.

Leading officials and experts from both countries gathered for the workshop, which provided a strategic forum for information exchange and analysis of international best practices in criminal asset recovery. The project was carried out in accordance with international guidelines established by organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as part of a larger effort to improve the UAE’s domestic capacity to track, freeze and confiscate illicit assets.

Focus on institutional capacity and global models

The two-day sessions included in-depth discussions on key aspects of asset recovery, such as governance structures, legal procedures and the management of complex assets, including real estate, offshore accounts and digital currencies. Developing innovative and internationally compatible local operating models was another key priority of the session.
In his opening address, Hamid Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of NAMLCFTC, stressed the transformative impact of asset recovery in the battle against financial crime. “By depriving criminals of their illicit proceeds, we not only disrupt their operations but redirect those resources to institutions that protect our society,” he said.

Al Zaabi highlighted the UAE’s recent achievements in this area, noting that in 2024, the country successfully recovered criminal assets worth AED 5.2 billion—more than twice the amount confiscated in the previous year. He emphasized that these results reflect the UAE’s growing maturity and effectiveness in financial crime prevention.

Training, Expertise, and Global Connectivity

The workshop is a part of the UAE’s larger plan to fund professional development and training in order to tackle complex financial challenges. Al Zaabi reiterated the nation’s dedication to developing specialized knowledge and improving the efficiency of its counter-financing and anti-money laundering frameworks (AML/CFT/CPF).

France Applauds UAE’s Leadership in Financial Crime Prevention

AGRASC Director Vanessa Perree commended the UAE’s aggressive and cooperative strategy. She pointed out that asset recovery is a vital weapon for upending global criminal networks, particularly in sectors like drug trafficking, and is not merely a technical procedure. “France is proud to support the UAE in building a strong infrastructure for asset confiscation. This workshop is the first of several, with future editions planned in Paris or other EU locations,” she said.

Strategic Global Alignment and Bilateral Cooperation

This initiative aligns with the current priorities of the FATF under Mexico’s presidency, which has made asset recovery a central focus of its agenda. Additionally, the workshop draws on recent high-level interactions between France and the United Arab Emirates, such as official UAE delegations visiting Paris in January and April of 2025.

These bilateral initiatives demonstrate a common dedication to promoting law enforcement cooperation, judicial coordination, and financial intelligence. They also bolster the UAE’s position as a regional and international leader in financial crime prevention and demonstrate its commitment to upholding its international commitments.

The UAE and France are demonstrating a strong example of international asset recovery collaboration by strengthening cross-border coordination and knowledge. This cooperation aims to protect global financial systems against organized crime and illicit money in addition to recovering stolen assets.