That today’s urgent Parliament meeting on the Asset Recovery Team was requested by all parties for the first time (see related story) clearly indicates great concern over the issue within the local political establishment. That is understandable to a certain degree, because it does regard a rather far-reaching approach to fighting organised crime, corruption and money-laundering.
Local authorities will be able to seize and even sell private property they believe is proceeds from illegal activities, outside of the Penal Code and without first going to court if the owner cannot properly justify such possessions. To be sure, it involves mostly cash and valuable items like vehicles and boats, but also real estate, including homes.
On an island where, for example, many people inherited land through family rights but can’t necessarily produce the title to prove it, this could potentially lead to serious and undesirable situations. Those who are able to formalise such matters, but haven’t done so yet for whatever reason, would therefore be wise to complete the process as quickly as possible.
It’s important to remember that the idea is to go after only suspects of criminal practices. Consequently, law-abiding citizens should have little to fear.
Granted, mistakes can be made and the affected persons always have the courts as last resort in such a case. Above all, as with every law enforcement tool, also this one must be used with great care and in a highly judicious manner.
