U.S. faults Mexican terror finance law for lack of forfeiture component

by Mary Spicuzza

The U.S. Department of State has released its Country Reports on Terrorism 2008.

The country reports' western hemisphere overview, made public last week, praised Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa and his Administration for demonstrating "an unprecedented commitment to address national security concerns," but criticized Mexico's recent terrorist financing law for its lack of asset forfeiture provisions.

"In 2007, President Calderón signed into law legislation outlawing terrorist financing and associated money laundering. The new law established international terrorism and terrorist financing as serious criminal offenses, as called for in UN resolution 1373, and provides for up to 40-year prison sentences," it reads. "The measure also incorporated several non-finance related provisions including jail sentences for individuals who cover up the identities of terrorists and for those who recruit people to commit terrorist acts. While it lacked some important provisions, such as asset forfeiture measures, the law was a significant step forward."

Still, the State Department cited justice reform legislation that may include asset forfeiture authorities. And it commended Mexico's relationship with the U.S. in various law enforcement areas, including efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and narcotics trafficking.

The Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. did not return a call seeking comment.

Source: Asset Forfeiture Watch