As of September 30, 2016, the USMS managed $1.5 billion in assets on-hand as part of the AFP program. An asset may be in USMS custody and management for months or years, and ultimately, could be returned to a private citizen or returned to the community or innocent party in restitution.
During the time these assets are in the government’s care, the USMS and its contractors must be diligent stewards of forfeited assets and provide an accurate record of their stay under the government's watch.
The volume and value of assets under the program’s administration demand quality and accuracy, and we may be called upon at any time to “tell the story” of an asset. The strength of the AFP lies in the accuracy and accountability it requires from each task.
Forfeiture in Action
In 2012, online search engine Google Inc. forfeited $500 million after an investigation revealed the company had allowed Canadian online pharmacies to place ads resulting in the unlawful importation of prescription drugs into the United States.
The Food and Drug Administration announced the majority of forfeited funds would be distributed to local and state Rhode Island law enforcement agencies that participated in the investigation.
"It is my hope and expectation that these monies will be used for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders, by enhancing our overall ability to fight crime and keeping our residents safe," said United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha in an FDA news release.
- via FDA.gov