Asset Forfeiture Unit

Empowered by the Prevention of Organized Crime Act (POCA), the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) can seize assets or proceeds identified as being the rewards of criminal behaviour.

The AFU focuses its prosecutions on cases of organized crime and corruption in the private and public sector. When applying for the seizure of assets, the AFU, along with the NPA, are required to prove a direct link between the assets in question and the criminality.

Partnerships with foreign, state, and local governments; regulatory agencies; and the private sector has made the unit more effective. Despite contending with experienced opposing counsel, the unit has effectively identified, recovered, and reinstated assets accumulated as proceeds of criminal behaviour.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit was established in May 1999 in the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions to focus on the implementation of Chapters 5 and 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 1998(Act No. 121 of 1998.)

Over and above its role as litigators, the AFU is required to:

• Build capacity to successfully litigate and set precedents for future legal recourse.
• Establish relationships with local partners – SAPS and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) – and global organizations that will aid in their mandate.

Tel: 012 845 0000
Email: lnongogo@npa.gov.za