The U.S. Justice Department is urging Congress to widen its authority in order to provide proceeds from seized Russian assets directly to the people of Ukraine. During a recent testimony before Congress, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted that the United States is "leaving a lot of money on the table" with regard to forfeitures.
Monaco explained that the Justice Department aims for Congress to broaden the government's forfeiture jurisdiction by incorporating those who violate trade regulations, specifically export controls. Additionally, she encouraged lawmakers to pass legislation granting the department permission to prosecute specific crimes against humanity.
This intensified focus on addressing Russian war crimes and countering aggression in Ukraine comes shortly after Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin met with both U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco regarding law enforcement matters in the region.
According to Monaco: "Our goal is not only holding accountable those who commit these heinous acts but also providing restitution for victims in Ukraine." She stressed that expanding their forfeiture authority would enable them "to go after funds we know are being used by criminals who violate our export control laws."
In response, several members of Congress expressed support for this proposal as it aligns with ongoing efforts towards global peace and security initiatives. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) stated: "We must do everything within our power as legislators and law enforcers alike - working together - so that we may help bring justice and hope back into these communities affected by such atrocities."
As discussions continue between congressional leaders and representatives from the Justice Department, many believe this could be an essential step toward providing much-needed financial aid directly from confiscated assets linked with illegal activities perpetrated by Russia during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.