Public lecture by international asset recovery expert David Mattan, representative of the Basel Institute

Forfeiture, seizure and extended forfeiture were the main topics discussed during the public lecture held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the National Institute of Justice. The activity, supported in English by David Mattan, lead specialist in asset recovery, from the International Center for Asset Recovery of the Basel Institute for Governance, based in Moldova, was intended for the audience of the 18th promotion, candidates for the positions of judge and prosecutor.

During the public lecture, the grounds and areas of application of confiscation measures were analyzed, with an emphasis on the provisions of Directive (EU) 2024/1260 on the recovery and confiscation of assets. The discussions concerned the application of extended confiscation in criminal trials, the role of the institutions involved, the difficulties encountered in practice, as well as comparative aspects between the Republic of Moldova and the United Kingdom. The prospects for strengthening international cooperation and the need for efficient management of confiscated assets were also addressed.

With over 25 years of experience in asset recovery, David Mattan works in the Republic of Moldova within the Basel Institute for Governance - International Center for Asset Recovery. During his career he was a police officer and prosecutor in Israel, as well as a specialist prosecutor in the UK Crown Prosecution Service, being involved in multi-disciplinary teams focused on money laundering and asset forfeiture. He holds a law degree from Cambridge University and has supported training and legal assistance activities in numerous jurisdictions, including the Republic of Moldova.