Mapping the Social Reuse of Assets Confiscated from Organized Crime

The ‘social reuse’ of assets confiscated from organised crime groups is a practice gaining increasing influence worldwide. While a precise definition has yet to be established, the broad concept – that of reusing the proceeds of crime for the benefit of affected communities – is ostensibly simple and compelling. In an indication of its growing reach, social reuse features in the EU’s Confiscation Directive, which calls on Member States to consider measures ‘allowing confiscated assets to be used for public interest or social purposes’. Different national legal orders have adopted a range of approaches to social reuse. This roundtable discussion brings together academics and practitioners from four countries - Australia, Italy, Norway, and Scotland - to discuss the differing aims, definitions, and conceptions of social reuse, drawing on examples of best practice. The panel will consider the effectiveness of social reuse as a measure against organised crime, and sketch out future priorities for action.