Asset Forfeiture by U.S. Marshals
Did you know the United States Marshals Service has an Asset Forfeiture Division?
The Asset Forfeiture Program was intended to combat criminal activity by disrupting illegal enterprises, depriving criminals of the proceeds of illegal activity, and deterring crime. However, many complain that the program invites corruption by federal agents.
The U.S. Marshals Service identifies and evaluates assets forfeited by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The agency also manages and disposes of most property seized for forfeiture.
For this reason, the United States Marshals Service acts as the program’s primary custodian of seized property.
The types of property subject to civil asset forfeiture proceedings might include the following:
- cash
- financial instruments
- real estate
- commercial businesses
- vehicles
- jewelry
- art
- antiques
- collectibles
- vessels
- aircraft
As of September 30, 2020, the Asset Forfeiture Division of the United States Marshals Service estimates having more than 19,000 assets valued at more than $2.78 billion. In the fiscal year 2020, more than $246 million was shared with participating state and local law enforcement agencies.
Created in 1984, the Asset Forfeiture Program is governed by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. In addition to the U.S. Marshals Service, other participants include:
- Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section of the Department of Justice Criminal Division;
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF);
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA);
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI);
- U.S. Attorneys’ Offices;
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPS);
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA);
- Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General;
- Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security; and
- Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Property Management Specialist of the U.S. Marshals Service
When the United States Attorney’s Office declines to file a civil forfeiture complaint after the seizure of an asset, you might be notified by the Property Management Specialist of the U.S. Marshals Service.
In that correspondence, you might be asked to complete and submit a USMS Vendor Request Form, which can be found on the U.S. Marshal Service website. You must include your Party ID Number in Box 24 (NCIC/TPID Code).
If you are unable to access the form through the above link, please follow the below instructions:
- Go to the U.S. Marshal Service website at https://www.usmarshals.gov/.
- Select Forms and Publications on the left-hand side.
- Select Unified Financial Management System Vendor Request Form under Department of Justice Forms.
- Click on the “Basic UFMS Vendor Request Form”.
Please electronically complete the UFMS Vendor Request Form and Submit. Failure to submit the form within 30 days could result in the property being abandoned to the U.S. Marshal Service.
Once the information is entered into their financial system, the U.S. Marshals will remit payment electronically.
This article was last updated on Thursday, September 12, 2024.