New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the significance of promptly tracing assets and identifying the proceeds of criminal activities. On Saturday, he emphasized the necessity of urging nations to bolster their internal mechanisms for recovering assets acquired through illegal means.

During a video conference addressing the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group's final ministerial meeting in Kolkata, PM Modi reflected on his inaugural G-20 Summit participation in 2014. He spoke about the challenges posed by economic offenders fleeing justice, affecting all G20 countries and the Global South. In this context, he recalled presenting a comprehensive nine-point agenda during the 2018 G-20 Summit aimed at combating economic offenders and facilitating asset recovery. PM Modi expressed his satisfaction with the substantial strides taken by the working group towards this goal.

PM Modi remarked, "An agreement has been reached to promote informal collaboration among law enforcement agencies, effectively closing legal loopholes that criminals exploit while traversing borders."

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed action-driven, high-level principles focusing on three crucial areas: reinforcing law enforcement collaboration through information exchange, strengthening mechanisms for asset recovery, and elevating the integrity and efficacy of anti-corruption entities.

Suggesting that G20 nations could lead by example, PM Modi proposed the utilization of non-conviction-based confiscations to expedite the repatriation of foreign assets. He emphasized that this approach would facilitate the swift repatriation and extradition of criminals while adhering to due judicial processes. "This will significantly underscore our collective battle against corruption," he emphasized.

Simultaneously, PM Modi asserted that the combined endeavors of G20 nations could profoundly bolster the fight against corruption. He highlighted the potential for making a substantial difference through increased international cooperation and the implementation of robust measures targeting the fundamental origins of corruption.

PM Modi further accentuated the role of audit institutions in the anti-corruption struggle, urging dignitaries to cultivate a culture of ethics and integrity within their value systems. He also stressed the importance of fortifying administrative and legal frameworks.

"Only through these efforts can we establish the groundwork for an equitable and sustainable society. I extend my best wishes for a productive and successful conference," concluded PM Modi.

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