EOCO: Tracing Assets Linked to Asante Berko Bribary Probe

• EOCO will trace and recover assets linked to suspected criminal conduct in the Ghanaian aspect of the Asante Kwaku Berko bribery case.
• The investigation stems from a request received last year from US counterparts, seeking information on specific individuals in Ghana relevant to their probe.
• EOCO's mandate includes recovering resources unlawfully acquired or dissipated through economic and organised crime, beyond establishing whether an offence has been committed.

EOCO's mandate extends beyond establishing whether an offence has been committed, but also includes recovering resources unlawfully acquired or dissipated through economic and organised crime.

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has been working in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice to investigate individuals linked to the Asante Kwaku Berko bribery case. The investigation stems from a request received last year from US counterparts, seeking information on specific individuals in Ghana relevant to their own probe. EOCO began preliminary work while monitoring proceedings in the United States, and following Mr Berko's conviction, the Attorney-General directed EOCO to escalate its investigations as more information was obtained through lawful channels. The Office has since been working to establish whether any proceeds, benefits, assets or property were derived from or connected to suspected criminal conduct.

EOCO's mandate extends beyond establishing whether an offence has been committed, but also includes recovering resources unlawfully acquired or dissipated through economic and organised crime. The Office will pursue the recovery of assets and proceeds linked to suspected criminal conduct, where supported by evidence and permitted by law. This involves tracing financial transactions and identifying potential beneficiaries, with a focus on preserving and recovering resources for the State. EOCO has stressed that any asset recovery or enforcement action would be evidence-based and undertaken in accordance with Ghanaian law.

The Asante Kwaku Berko bribery case has significant implications for lawyers advising clients on the potential for asset recovery actions. EOCO's investigation highlights the importance of tracing assets linked to suspected criminal conduct, and the need for evidence-based action in accordance with Ghanaian law. The case also underscores the role of international cooperation in combating economic and organised crime, as seen in the request from US counterparts and subsequent collaboration between agencies. As the probe progresses, lawyers should be aware of the potential for asset recovery actions against individuals linked to the case.

Lawyers should watch for the potential for asset recovery actions against individuals linked to the Asante Berko bribery probe, and advise clients on the implications of EOCO's investigation.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian media outlet