Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering opens consultation on Pacific model legislation for anti-money laundering and criminal asset confiscation powers

The Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering has opened consultation on model legislation for Pacific Island jurisdictions as part of a new Model Legal Framework on Anti-Money Laundering and Criminal Asset Confiscation. The framework is intended to help jurisdictions create or update laws to meet revised Financial Action Task Force standards, while giving authorities stronger investigative powers and better tools to trace, restrain and confiscate criminal proceeds and assets. A key feature is that authorities would be able to restrain and confiscate criminal assets even where no conviction is secured in court. APG said the framework is designed for small-to-medium-sized Pacific Island jurisdictions and is meant to support more aligned investigations and court processes across the region, improving cross-border cooperation. The legislation is part of a wider package that will also include implementation and guidance materials and tailored training. The Cook Islands is the first jurisdiction working with partners to adapt and implement the model legislation. Consultation on the model legislation closes on Friday 12 June 2026.