The Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture Program is a national law enforcement program that continues to be an effective and powerful strategy in the fight against crime. |
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MissionThe primary mission of the Asset Forfeiture Program is to employ asset forfeiture powers in a manner that enhances public safety and security. This is accomplished by removing the proceeds of crime and other assets relied upon by criminals and their associates to perpetuate their illegal activities. Scope
Partnering with the Asset Forfeiture ProgramPrior to the Asset Forfeiture Program’s involvement with the RCFL Program, the state and local participating agencies lacked adequate funding to compensate those Examiners assigned to RCFLs for any overtime worked. Recognizing this inequity, the NPO, as part of the annual request for allocation of resources from the Asset Forfeiture Fund, submitted a proposal to allow the FBI to support reimbursement of overtime funding for state and local RCFL Examiners. The request was granted—enabling all RCFLs to better address backlogged cases, complete searches and on-site acquisition, perform emergency examinations, and improve turn around times. In addition to overtime compensation, funding is now available to RCFLs to provide state and local law enforcement Forensic Examiners with cell phones and the use of government-leased automobiles while on official duty. Components of the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture ProgramThe Asset Forfeiture Program includes activities by DOJ components and several others outside the Department. The components include—
Several organizations outside DOJ also participate in the program and include—
Working with DOJ's Asset Forfeiture ProgramAny state or local law enforcement agency that directly participates in an investigation or prosecution that results in a federal forfeiture may request an equitable share of the net proceeds of the forfeiture. To learn more about sharing federally forfeited property, state and local law enforcement personnel can go to the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section (AFMLS), Criminal Division, Web site and click on the AFMLS's publication titled: "A Guide to Equitable Sharing of Federally Forfeited Property for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies." Questions?For further guidance regarding operational asset forfeiture matters, contact the FBI's Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Unit at 202-324-3000. |