Forfeiture of assets - national procedures for ICC proceedings

Portuguese Republic

Law No. 144/99, of 31 August, on International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters

Part I
General

CHAPTER II
General rules of procedure


Article 28
Handing over of property or money

1. Where the request for co-operation concerns, exclusively or not, the handing over of property or money, these may be handed over only if they are not required for the purpose of producing evidence in connection with a criminal offence over which the Portuguese authorities have jurisdiction.

2. Handing over may be delayed; property and money may be handed over on condition that they are returned.

3. Any rights which bona fide third parties or legitimate owners or possessors may have over the property shall be preserved; any rights of the State that might result from the property being declared lost in its favour shall also be preserved.

4. If there is opposition to the handing over, property or money shall be handed over only subsequent to a final decision of the competent authority.

5. Where extradition is requested, the handing over as mentioned in paragraph 1 above may be executed even where extradition does not take place, notable because of the escape or death of the person sought.

Part I
General

CHAPTER II
General rules of procedure

Article 28
Handing over of property or money

1. Where the request for co-operation concerns, exclusively or not, the handing over of property or money, these may be handed over only if they are not required for the purpose of producing evidence in connection with a criminal offence over which the Portuguese authorities have jurisdiction.

2. Handing over may be delayed; property and money may be handed over on condition that they are returned.

3. Any rights which bona fide third parties or legitimate owners or possessors may have over the property shall be preserved; any rights of the State that might result from the property being declared lost in its favour shall also be preserved.

4. If there is opposition to the handing over, property or money shall be handed over only subsequent to a final decision of the competent authority.

5. Where extradition is requested, the handing over as mentioned in paragraph 1 above may be executed even where extradition does not take place, notable because of the escape or death of the person sought.

Rome Statute

Article 93 Other forms of cooperation

1. States Parties shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Part and under procedures of national law, comply with requests by the Court to provide the following assistance in relation to investigations or prosecutions:

(k) The identification, tracing and freezing or seizure of proceeds, property and assets and instrumentalities of crimes for the purpose of eventual forfeiture, without prejudice to the rights of bona fide third parties; and