The Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section provides centralized management for the Department's asset forfeiture program to ensure its integrity and maximize its law enforcement potential, while also providing managerial direction to the Department's components in prosecuting money laundering. The Section initiates, coordinates, and reviews legislative and policy proposals impacting on the asset forfeiture program and money laundering enforcement agencies.
The Section works with the entire spectrum of law enforcement and regulatory agencies using an interagency, interdisciplinary and international approach. The Section is mandated to: coordinate multi-district investigations and prosecutions; provide guidance, legal advice and assistance with respect to asset forfeiture and money laundering investigations and prosecutions; develop regulatory and legislative initiatives; ensure the uniform application of forfeiture and money laundering statutes; litigate complex, sensitive and multi-district cases; and provide litigation assistance to U.S. Attorneys' Offices and Criminal Division components.
The Section oversees asset forfeiture and money laundering training and conducts seminars for federal prosecutors, investigating agents, and law enforcement personnel. It also produces legal publications and training materials to enhance its legal support functions.
The Section adjudicates all petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeited assets in judicial forfeiture cases, administers the Weed and Seed Program and the Equitable Sharing Program, and it oversees the approval of the placement of forfeited property into official use by federal agencies.
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