The Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR)
The Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative is a partnership between the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that supports international efforts to end safe havens for corrupt funds. StAR works with developing countries and financial centers to prevent the laundering of the proceeds of corruption and to facilitate more systematic and timely return of stolen assets.
StAR provides platforms for dialogue and collaboration and also facilitates contact among different jurisdictions involved in asset recovery. Since its establishment ten years ago, StAR has assisted many countries in developing legal frameworks, institutional expertise, and the skills necessary to trace and return stolen assets.
StAR works with partners around the world to develop the most effective tools to tackle and prevent the theft of assets critical to development. StAR works with global organizations, including the Conference of States parties to UNCAC, the G8, the G20, and the Financial Action Task Force to influence and liaise with policymakers.