OSCE supports peer review on asset recovery and asset management in Kazakhstan

A practitioner peer review on the functioning and effectiveness of asset recovery and asset management in Kazakhstan took place in Astana, Kazakhstan from 24 to 26 February 2026, with the support of the OSCE Secretariat and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, and the participation of four peer experts from the Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network (BAMIN).

Kazakhstan volunteered to participate in the BAMIN Peer Review Programme as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen national asset recovery and asset management frameworks, building on recent institutional and legislative developments in this field.

The peer review brought together representatives of key national authorities involved in asset recovery and asset management to examine the framework across the full asset recovery cycle, including legal and institutional arrangements, operational practices and interagency co-operation. The exercise aimed to facilitate peer-to-peer learning, identify good practices and highlight areas for further development.

“Over the past two years, KUVA has accepted 267 assets for management with a total value of KZT 97.6 billion (USD 197 million), marking an important step in strengthening Kazakhstan’s asset recovery and management system. We see this peer review as a timely opportunity to benefit from international expertise, reinforce transparency and efficiency, and further align our practices with international standards.” said Mr. Kuanyshbek Mukash – General Director of KUVA, the recovered asset management company.

The review included a desk assessment of the relevant legal and institutional frameworks, individual interviews with national authorities and the preparation of a report. The report remains the property of the Kazakh authorities and provides practical recommendations based on international experience and good practices.

 “BAMIN is relevant to Kazakhstan because it brings together asset management authorities to address the practical challenges of managing seized and confiscated assets, particularly in cross-border cases. This peer review allows us to assess KUVA’s practice against agreed indicators, identify areas for improvement, and share good practices across our member jurisdictions.” said Ms. Jill Thomas, Asset Recovery Advisor, BAMIN Secretariat.

Discussions held within the framework of the peer review emphasized the importance of effective interagency and regional co-operation, particularly in cross-border cases, as well as the role of asset management authorities in preserving the value of seized and confiscated assets while ensuring transparency, due process and accountability.

The peer review was organized as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Strengthening Asset Recovery Efforts in the OSCE Region”, jointly implemented by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. This project is funded by the Government of the United Kingdom. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the United Kingdom Government’s official policies.