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Written question asked by Baroness Cox (Crossbench) on Monday, 23 May 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 June 2022. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 June 2022 on behalf of the Home Office.

Proceeds of Crime: Nigeria

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will refrain from releasing any funds from the Abacha loot until concerns relating to corruption within the government of Nigeria are allayed; and whether they will commit to publishing a copy of any agreements reached on the transfer of the funds relating to the Abacha loot.

Answer

The UK is a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). In line with the UK’s framework for transparent and accountable asset return, the UK ensures consistency, transparency and accountability in its process for returning funds to other countries.

The UK will always sign a case-specific agreement with the relevant country detailing the steps that the recipient Government will take to ensure the funds are put to their intended use.

All agreements which oversee the return of funds abroad are published on gov.uk

The NCA’s recent recovery of $23,439,724.98 from the associates and family of former Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha, was carried out following a request from the US Department of Justice (USDOJ). As such, the Home Office will transfer the funds in this case to the USDOJ.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL407
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Proceeds of crime Nigeria Abacha, Sani
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk