March 23, 2026 : Director of the Enforcement Directorate, Rahul Navin, stated that asset recovery represents the most meaningful indicator of success in modern anti-corruption enforcement, as envisioned under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). He was speaking at the 12th Steering Committee Meeting of the GlobE Network held in New Delhi.
Navin explained that asset recovery is not a secondary outcome but a core objective of enforcement efforts. He highlighted the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as India’s principal agency for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. He also outlined the mandate of the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which includes tracing, attaching, confiscating, and returning proceeds of crime.
He noted that the ED has successfully restituted assets worth around 5.6 billion US dollars, with a substantial share recovered in recent years, including in corruption-related cases.
CBI Director Praveen Sood, addressing the gathering, pointed out that corruption has become increasingly transnational and technologically sophisticated, making international cooperation essential. He reiterated the CBI’s role as India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, facilitating cross-border coordination.
Sood also highlighted the effectiveness of the GlobE Network’s Secure Communication Platform, which enables encrypted, real-time exchange of information between member agencies. He urged participating authorities to actively share intelligence and leverage available cooperation mechanisms. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the GlobE Network as a key platform for global anti-corruption collaboration.
The GlobE Network, established under the Riyadh Initiative during Saudi Arabia’s G20 Presidency, operates within the framework of UNCAC. It serves as a platform for direct cooperation among anti-corruption law enforcement agencies worldwide, focusing on investigation, prosecution, and recovery of illicit assets. The three-day meeting is attended by representatives from fifteen member countries, who are discussing strategic priorities and enhancing operational frameworks for international cooperation.
