Mongolia hosts a major international meeting on asset recovery, signaling its strong commitment to fighting financial crime. The plenary session of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP) began in Ulaanbaatar, focusing on legal management of assets and asset recovery. Consequently, Mongolia is reinforcing its role in regional anti-corruption initiatives.
The conference covers several key topics, including artificial intelligence in asset recovery, non-conviction-based asset forfeiture, and emerging trends in asset management. Furthermore, experts highlighted the importance of regional cooperation to track and reclaim illegally obtained funds. Delegates from Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, India, Fiji, and New Zealand delivered speeches. In addition, three side sessions addressed specialized issues.
Prime Minister Zandashatar Gombojav opened the meeting by emphasizing the global importance of combating financial crimes, money laundering, corruption, and terrorism financing. He explained that the ARIN-AP network facilitates the exchange of crucial information between law enforcement agencies. “Asset recovery strengthens trust and collaboration among regional countries,” he added. Moreover, the Prime Minister noted that Mongolia’s ongoing governance reforms aim to promote economic growth and national development.
Dashdavaa Zandraa, Director and Commissioner General of the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC), observed that illegal financial flows are increasingly shifting to digital channels. Specifically, virtual assets, cryptocurrencies, and cross-border digital transfers demand advanced solutions. He also pointed out that artificial intelligence provides powerful tools to identify suspicious activity and conduct rapid data analysis.
International collaboration remains critical to tackling corruption and illegal financial flows. Accordingly, Mongolia’s IAAC is leading regional efforts as a member of the ARIN-AP Steering Group and Chair of the 2025 meeting. The conference intends to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and deliver practical outcomes across the region.
Experts anticipate that improved asset recovery measures will reduce corruption risks and increase public trust. Additionally, they highlight that AI applications and innovative tools will make detection and prevention more effective. By hosting the ARIN-AP session, Mongolia demonstrates its determination to act as a regional hub against financial crime.
Looking ahead, officials plan to implement recommendations from the meeting, expand knowledge sharing, and build long-term partnerships throughout Asia Pacific. Ultimately, asset recovery supports better governance, regional stability, and economic security.
