Handbook 9.7
Asset Seizure and Forfeiture
Chapter 12
Equitable Sharing and Reverse Asset Sharing
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Contents
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On October 1, 1993, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) became a participant of
the Department of Treasury Forfeiture Fund. The following information is
a summary of the contents of the Department of Treasury Guide to Equitable
Sharing for Foreign Countries and Federal, State, or Local Law Enforcement
Agencies prepared by Treasury Executive Office Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF).
The following sections are included in this chapter:
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When Equitable Sharing Occurs
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Agencies Eligible To Receive Equitable Sharing
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Agencies Not Eligible To Receive Equitable Sharing
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Assets Not Subject To Equitable Sharing
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Ways To Participate In The Treasury Equitable Sharing
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Preparation Of Equitable Sharing Requests
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Determining Equitable Sharing Percentage Of Net Proceeds
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Decision Makers To Equitable Sharing Requests
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Disposition Of Equitable Share
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Obtaining Sharing Check For Presentation
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Uses Of Equitable Shared Property By Requesting Agencies
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Preparation Of Reverse Asset Sharing Requests
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Equitable sharing can only occur after the federal forfeiture has been completed,
the United States has taken clear title to the property, and a final sharing
decision has been made by the appropriate Treasury official.
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Where a claimant has filed a Claim and Cost Bond or a petition for remission
or mitigation of the forfeiture, sharing must be delayed until resolution
of the claim or petition.
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If the forfeiture involves property which must be sold, sharing cannot occur
until the sale is complete and the net proceeds of the sale determined.
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[9.7] 12.3 (04-30-1998)
AGENCIES ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE EQUITABLE SHARING
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Any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, as well as any foreign
country, that directly or indirectly participated in an investigation or
prosecution resulting in a federal forfeiture by IRS may request an equitable
share of forfeited property, or the net proceeds of forfeited property. See
the section below for exceptions to this statement.
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Equitable sharing is also available to state and local prosecutorial agencies
that provide direct assistance which results in the forfeiture of assets.
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In unusual circumstances, equitable sharing is also available to other federal
agencies that did not participate in the acts that led to a seizure or
forfeiture.
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[9.7] 12.4 (04-30-1998)
AGENCIES NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE EQUITABLE SHARING
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If the forfeiture is perfected by IRS, another Treasury agency cannot apply
for an equitable share of the proceeds unless the request is for tangible
or real property, excluding monetary instruments (as defined in Title 31
USC 5312, including currency, traveler's checks, bearer negotiable instruments,
securities, and other commercial paper).
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Only federal law enforcement agencies with a forfeiture fund (the U.S. Postal
Service and all Justice agencies, FBI, DEA, INS, U.S. Park Police, the Food
and Drug Administration, Health and Human Services Inspector General, and
the Bureau of Prisons) can share in net proceeds of forfeited property. This
prohibition does not apply to tangible assets (such as vehicles), which can
be shared with any federal law enforcement agency.
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U.S. Attorney offices are not eligible to receive Treasury equitable sharing.
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Abandoned property cannot be shared with federal, state or local law enforcement
agencies, or a foreign country. However, these agencies can apply for the
property through GSA regulations (41 C.F.R.101-48).
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Assets seized for forfeiture under Title 26 (code forfeitures) are not subject
to equitable sharing.
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[9.7] 12.6 (04-30-1998)
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TREASURY EQUITABLE SHARING
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Agencies may participate in equitable sharing through direct or indirect
participation in the investigation. They may also participate when they request
the IRS to adopt property they have seized.
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Most sharing results from joint investigations in which the IRS works with
federal, state or local law enforcement agencies, or foreign countries, to
enforce federal laws.
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[9.7]
12.6.2 (04-30-1998)
Adoption of a Federal, State, Local or Foreign Seizure
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A federal, state or local law enforcement agency, or foreign country, that
has seized property may request the IRS to adopt the seizure and proceed
with the forfeiture of the property. IRS may adopt such seized property for
forfeiture where the conduct giving rise to the seizure is in violation of
a federal statute enforced by CI and which is a basis for forfeiture pursuant
to Title 18 USC 981 or 982. The request for the adoption must be made within
30 days from the date the property was originally seized. The proposed adoption
may be effected after preapproval by District Counsel. The adopted seizure
is perfected by obtaining a federal seizure warrant or by the property being
identified for forfeiture in a criminal indictment. IRS will not seize (take
custody of) the property until the seizure warrant is executed (civil forfeiture)
or the defendant is convicted and the property ordered forfeited (criminal
forfeiture) in state, local, or foreign adoptions.
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Unless Service guidelines are waived to serve a compelling law enforcement
purpose, property will not be adopted for seizure unless the property meets
the following minimum equity guidelines and those set forth in LEM IX.
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Conveyances |
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Vehicles |
$5,000 |
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Vessels |
$10,000 |
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Aircraft |
$10,000 |
Real Property |
--Land and improvements |
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$20,000 or 20 percent of the appraised value, whichever is greater |
All Other Property |
--Currency, Bank accounts, |
monetary instruments, jewelry, etc. |
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$2,000 |
Note: These minimum net equity requirements are higher than
the stated minimum thresholds appearing in the Department of the Treasury,
Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture, "Guide to Equitable Sharing for Foreign
Countries and Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies," dated
October 1, 1996. |
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Agencies, including state and local prosecutorial offices, may request a
share of the property by submitting a Treasury Form TDF 92-22.46, Request
for the Equitable Sharing of Federally Forfeited Property (Exhibit 12-1)
to the district Asset Forfeiture Coordinator (AFC).
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Exhibit 12-2 is a checklist to be used when handling equitable sharing requests.
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A foreign country may request a share of forfeited property from IRS by
contacting the United States Ambassador or Customs Attache via a letter of
request. The embassy should forward the letter to IRS (CI) Headquarters,
Asset Forfeiture and Narcotics Section, which will forward a copy to the
district AFC handling the seizure for initial
evaluation.
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A sharing request cannot be considered unless it is submitted within 60 calendar
days of the effective seizure date. The 60-day rule can be waived based upon
a written request to the district AFC (IRS, CI, Headquarters, Asset Forfeiture
and Narcotics Section in the case of a foreign country request) stating the
reasons for the late submission of the equitable sharing request and providing
specific justification for the waiver. The waiver should be attached to the
sharing request, Form TDF 92-22.46. Waivers submitted by a federal, state,
or local law enforcement agency are approved by the Chief, CI, of the seizing
district. Waivers submitted by a foreign country are approved by the Assistant
Commissioner, CI. The effective seizure date is:
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The date of seizure, if seized by the IRS.
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The date that IRS actually perfects the seizure in an adoptive seizure.
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The first date that any initial action is taken to seize the property for
forfeiture if IRS initially seized property as "evidence" .
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A separate TDF 92-22.46 must be completed for each seizure (asset or "lot"
), and should not be grouped on one sharing form.
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Where multiple assets are seized on the same date, in the same investigation,
and a request to share each asset is made, preparation of the equitable sharing
requests may be simplified by the following:
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Prepare one original TDF 92-22.46 and in Block III, Asset Requested, enter
See asset marked by an "X" on the attached list.
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Prepare a list of all assets seized and attach the list to the original TDF
92-22.46.
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Photocopy the TDF 92-22.46 and the attached list as many times as needed
(a copy is needed for each asset).
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Place an "X" next to the specific asset requested on each copy of the attached
list.
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Each TDF 92-22.46 must contain original signatures and the attached list.
State and local law enforcement agencies must complete Part VII, Sections
A (representative of requesting agency) and B (legal counsel of requesting
agency), to satisfy the proper signature requirements. Federal law enforcement
agencies are exempt from the requirement in part VII section B.
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Appendix A in Treasury Guide to Equitable Sharing (October 1, 1996) contains
further specific information relating to the completion of TDF 92-22.46.
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[9.7]
12.8 (04-30-1998)
DETERMINING EQUITABLE SHARING PERCENTAGE OF NET PROCEEDS
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Equitable sharing is based upon net proceeds of the forfeiture. Net proceeds
are gross receipts from forfeiture or the sale of the forfeited property,
less:
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Payments to third-party interests.
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Payments for CI case-related expenses.
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Payments to informants as they relate to the seizure/forfeiture.
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Treasury property management expenses and/or any payments for reimbursements
from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund to the requesting agency relating to the
seizure/forfeiture.
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In joint investigations and adoptive seizures, Treasury policy directs that
sharing reflect the degree of direct or indirect participation of the agency
in the law enforcement effort that resulted in the forfeiture. This policy
is also used in adoptive seizures. Normally, the major criterion in this
determination involves the number of hours expended by each participating
agency and the IRS (special agent, tax fraud investigative aide, Group Manager,
and revenue agent, if applicable), expressed as a percentage of the total.
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At times, hours expended on the investigation by a requesting agency or foreign
country do not fully reflect its assistance in the seizure/forfeiture. Additional
factors may be considered to justify sharing percentages. Additional
justification should be in writing and in sufficient narrative form as an
attachment to Form TDF 92-22.46. The following paragraphs address these factors
in question form.
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Was the seizure adopted? In adopted seizures, this question will be the only
question that needs to be on Form TDF 92-22.46. The narrative should address
the legal basis for adoption.
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Did the requesting agency or foreign country originate all information that
led to the seizure? If so, provide a brief, accurate narrative pertaining
to how they gained the information. This narrative should cover such things
as informants, fortuitous information, and ongoing investigative efforts.
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What was the degree of direct law enforcement participation by the requesting
agency or foreign country in the investigation which led to the seizure?
A brief, accurate narrative should be prepared addressing the merits of the
requesting agency's or foreign country's participation in relation to the
degree of the requested sharing.
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Did the requesting agency or foreign country provide unique or indispensable
assistance? A brief, accurate narrative should address this type of assistance
if provided. Examples include seizure of property in a jurisdiction far removed
from the jurisdiction of the investigation, providing an informant who has
access to documents essential to securing a conviction, and recovery of relevant
information from a target which only it can obtain without arousing suspicion.
Conversely, provision of services typically provided by many agencies such
as drug detection dogs, surveillance equipment, lab analyses, or undercover
operatives are not normally considered unique.
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Could the requesting agency obtain forfeiture of the property under State
law? If the State or local agency could have forfeited the property under
State statutes, provide a narrative as to why this avenue was not pursued.
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The Treasury Forfeiture Fund will retain at least 20 percent net proceeds
in all seizure-related investigations.
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If a seizure consists of a single asset which is requested by the local or
state agency, the Treasury agency shall recover its cost and its equitable
share.
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If the requesting federal, state, or local agency or foreign country is unable
to pay the Treasury agency's cost and equitable share, the property shall
be sold and the proceeds equitably distributed.
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Exceptions to the above may be granted by the Assistant Commissioner, CI,
upon written assurances that the requesting agency lacks the funds or authority
to pay the funds, and the forfeited item will fill a demonstrated need of
the requesting agency.
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[9.7]
12.8.4 (04-30-1998)
Sharing in Task Force and other Multi-Agency Investigations
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All participating investigative agencies should meet early on to coordinate
the potential equitable (asset) sharing. A written general agreement to govern
the equitable sharing may prevent future conflict between the agencies.
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When a pre-agreed equitable sharing distribution agreement based upon personnel
and other contributions to the task force operation involving the IRS, other
Treasury agencies, non-Treasury federal agencies, and/or state or local law
enforcement agencies exists, the agreement will be honored in either of the
following situations:
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When the task force itself is a legal entity (formal) entitled to receive
and spend money, and the agreed percentages fairly reflect overall agency
contributions to the task force, single checks will be issued to the task
force and/or its constituent members. The National Crime Information Center
(NCIC) number of the task force must be indicated on the TDF 92-22.46.
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When the task force is not a legal entity (informal) entitled to receive
and spend money, the agreed upon percentages will be honored when the Assistant
Commissioner, CI, is satisfied that the percentages continue to reflect the
overall agency contributions to the task force, and the task force has a
well-defined subject area or organization target as its focus, so that it
may be legitimately claimed that specific seizures are part of the overall
investigation. Separate checks will be issued to each individual law enforcement
agency of the task force.
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When IRS is not a part of a task force agreement, IRS investigative hours
should be included with the task force hours in determining the equitable
sharing percentages.
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Sharing with state and local prosecutorial agencies--state and local
prosecutorial agencies can qualify for an equitable share depending upon
the contribution made to the overall seizure/forfeiture effort. The contribution
may consist of assistance in the preparation of search and seizure warrants
or other documents relating to the forfeiture, or by providing a key informant,
or substantially assisting throughout the investigation leading to a forfeiture.
The equitable share will be based upon hours expended. Shares will also be
made on a case-by-case basis for prosecuting under state law criminal cases
directly related to a federal forfeiture.
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Cross-designating state or local prosecutors as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys
to assist, or handle the federal forfeiture or related cases in federal court
may also result in equitable sharing.
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The net proceeds of shares for IRS or any participating Treasury agency will
be deposited in the Treasury Forfeiture Fund.
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The assigned special agent will ensure that Form TDF 92-22.46 is properly
prepared by the requesting agency and timely filed with district AFC. The
Form TDF 92-22.46 is considered timely filed if signed by the proper
representative of the requesting agency and delivered to the Service within
60 days following the seizure or adoption date. No sharing request can be
considered unless it is submitted within 60 calendar days of the seizure
or within 60 days of the federal adoption of a state or local seizure. The
60 day rule can be waived based upon a written request from the state or
local agency to the IRS, stating the reasons for the late submission of the
equitable sharing request and proving justification for the waiver. The assigned
special agent will also ensure that requesting agencies are kept apprised
of the status of their request following the seizure and subsequent proceedings,
including forfeiture, or if the property is not forfeited, but is returned
to the owner, claimant, or petitioner.
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Upon receipt of the Forms TDF 92-22.46, the district AFC will ensure that
the forms are properly prepared and signed by the requesting agencies. When
a Form TDF 92-22.46 is received from a State or local law enforcement agency,
the district AFC will ensure that the requesting agency's narrative indicates
that all assets shall only increase, and not supplant, law enforcement resources
of the specific participating agency (in accordance with Appendix F of the
Treasury Guide). In instances where the requesting agency is making a request
for items/assets which do not appear to have a valid law enforcement purpose,
e.g., jet skis, cappuccino maker, etc., the AFC must ensure that the narrative
contains specific justification for placing such assets into official use.
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District AFCs will expeditiously process equitable sharing requests.
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Upon receipt of the Form(s) TDF 92-22.46, the AFC will prepare an equitable
sharing decision form for the signature of the Chief, CI, which, at the Chief's
discretion, may be signed by the Branch Chief (Exhibit 12-3). The assigned
special agent, AFC, and Chief, CI, will determine if the requested sharing
amount is commensurate with the requesting agency's participation. If the
recommended sharing amount is different from the requested amount, the AFC
will prepare an evaluation report for attachment to the decision form (Exhibit
12-4). The Chief, CI, shall ensure that the recommendation to the Assistant
Commissioner, CI, for equitable sharing bears a reasonable relationship to
the degree of direct participation of the requesting agency. This relationship
will consider the total value of all property forfeited, and the total law
enforcement effort with respect to the violation of law on which forfeiture
is based.
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Upon approval by the Chief or Branch Chief, CI, Form TDF 92-22.46 and the
decision form (for each sharing request) will be transmitted directly to
the Assistant Commissioner, CI, for approval (Exhibit 12-5). Counter Technology
Inc. (CTI) personnel at Headquarters will update Asset Forfeiture Tracking
System (AFTRAK) indicating the receipt of the request. A sharing request
approved by the Assistant Commissioner, CI, will be returned to the Chief,
CI, pending final forfeiture, along with a copy of a notification letter
(Exhibit 12-6, Sharing Notification Letter) directed to the agency requesting
sharing, notifying the requesting agency of the Assistant Commissioner's,
CI, decision. The Assistant Commissioner, CI, will send a copy of the approved
sharing request to Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF),
Attention: Equitable Sharing Coordinator. CTI personnel at Headquarters will
update AFTRAK indicating the approval of the request prior to returning the
request to the district AFC along with the copy sent to TEOAF.
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After forfeiture, all approved requests for transfers of forfeited cash or
the net proceeds of forfeited property, along with documentation of the
forfeiture, must be forwarded by the AFC to the: Executive Office for Asset
Forfeiture, Attn: Equitable Sharing--Coordinator, Suite 700, 740 15th Street
NW, Washington, DC 20220.
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[9.7]
12.9 (04-30-1998)
DECISION MAKERS FOR EQUITABLE SHARING REQUESTS
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In all forfeiture cases (except those involving foreign sharing requests
or real property), where the value of the forfeited property is less than
$1,000,000, the Treasury investigative agency perfecting the forfeiture
determines the amount of the equitable share. Pursuant to Delegation Order
158, when the IRS perfects the forfeiture, the determination is made by the
Assistant Commissioner, CI, and delegated down to the Chief, Office of Narcotics,
Currency Crimes International, except for amounts of $100,000 or less, which
is delegated to the Section Chief, Asset Forfeiture and Narcotics Section.
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In administrative and judicial forfeiture cases (except those involving foreign
sharing requests), where the property is valued at $1,000,000 or more, and
in cases involving the transfer of real property, the Under Secretary of
the Treasury (Enforcement) determines the amount of equitable share.
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In administrative and judicial forfeiture cases involving a foreign country
sharing request, the Under Secretary of the Treasury (Enforcement) and the
Secretary of State determine the amount of equitable share.
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Recommended equitable shares are not guaranteed until approved by the final
decision maker and all actions by the claimant have been resolved. The decision
maker should consider the investigative or prosecutorial efforts of all
participating agencies when determining appropriate equitable shares. The
decision maker should also involve all participating agencies in any equitable
sharing ceremonies or press releases where credit for investigative/prosecutorial
efforts will be recognized or discussed.
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The Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) will be offered the opportunity
for input before final sharing decisions are made when the forfeiture is
a civil judicial forfeiture or a criminal forfeiture.
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The determining official shall ensure that the Treasury Forfeiture Fund receives
its costs and equitable share to reflect total Treasury participation in
the forfeiture effort. This may be waived based upon sufficient demonstrated
need on the part of the requesting agency.
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The Chief, CI, will coordinate the distribution of the requested property
under approved equitable sharing agreements.
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Exhibit 10-3 is a letter used to transfer property to a requesting agency.
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If the property consists of funds on deposit, the Chief, CI can obtain a
check payable to the requesting agency, and personally present a check in
a significant amount to the appropriate official of the agency. Shares to
a foreign country will be coordinated with the State Department and the Office
of International Affairs, Criminal Division, Department of Justice.
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The presentation by the Chief, CI, or the State Department in investigations
involving foreign countries is to ensure that law enforcement agencies are
properly thanked for their participation in the investigation and to encourage
future joint efforts. The Chief, CI, will be sensitive to the desire of the
District Director, U.S. Attorney, or Assistant Commissioner, CI, to be involved
in formal presentations.
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The date of disposition and other pertinent information of equitable sharing
will be updated on Form 4008S by the district AFC and forwarded to the AFTRAK
SPU.
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The National Finance Center will notify TEOAF of the dates and amounts of
equitable sharing checks made payable to the sharing agency/country.
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TEOAF will notify the district AFC of the dates and amounts of equitable
sharing checks for AFTRAK updating purposes.
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If an equitable sharing request has been filed and the Chief, CI, elects
to personally present the sharing check to the appropriate requesting agency
official, the district AFC shall prepare the Disposition Instructions for
Currency Held in the Customs Suspense Account, TEOAF Form 2 (Exhibit 9-6)
with the following in the additional comments section of the disposition
form:
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Send equitable sharing check to the AFC for presentation.
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NOTE:
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If this is not done, the check will be sent directly to the requesting agency.
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The AFC should then fax the form to TEOAF to initiate the final disposition
of funds held in the Customs Suspense Account.
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[9.7]
12.12 (04-30-1998)
USES OF EQUITABLE SHARED PROPERTY BY REQUESTING AGENCIES
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Section X of the Treasury Guide to Equitable Sharing sets forth permissible
and impermissible uses of equitably shared proceeds and property by participating
agencies or foreign countries.
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The TEOAF requires a Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement to be completed
by each participating state or local agency that shares in assets seized
for forfeiture pursuant to Title 18. The agreement cites the requirements
for participation by the agencies in the Federal Equitable Sharing Program
and the restrictions upon the use of federally forfeited property or proceeds
from such property which is equitably shared. A sample of this agreement
is contained in Appendix C of the Treasury Equitable Sharing Guide.
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Property cannot be shared with a state or local agency unless a signed agreement
has been submitted. Federal agencies are exempt from this requirement.
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Each state or local agency receiving any assets under a sharing agreement
must implement standard accounting procedures and internal controls to track
equitably shared monies and tangible property. Appendix B of The Department
of Treasury Guide to Equitable Sharing contains sample bookkeeping procedures
that will meet this
requirement.
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If a state or local agency receives more than $100,000 in shared cash, proceeds,
or tangible property from Treasury agencies in a single fiscal year, the
State or local agency must ensure that a standard financial audit is performed
annually, consistent with the guidelines in Appendix D and E of the Treasury
Equitable Sharing Guide. An independent accounting firm may be engaged to
perform the required audit and may be paid from shared cash or proceeds.
The audit report must be sent to the Director, Executive Office for Asset
Forfeiture, Department of the Treasury, Suite 700, 740 15th Street NW,
Washington, DC 20220.
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At the conclusion of each State or local agency's fiscal year, the agency
must also prepare the Annual Certification Report contained in the Department
of the Treasury Guide to Equitable Sharing, Appendix D. The Annual Certification
Report must also be sent to the Director, Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture.
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State and local agencies must be aware of specific limitations imposed upon
the use of equitably shared property and should refer to Treasury's Guide
to Equitable Sharing, Section X for additional clarification of the reporting
and certification procedures.
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Reverse asset sharing occurs when IRS participates in a joint investigation
with a Department of Justice (DOJ) agency or the U.S. Postal Service, and
the other agency is the seizing agency.
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The Chief, CI, shall request an equitable share of the seized property for
official use, if needed, or monetary instruments or proceeds from the sale
of property to be transferred to the Treasury Forfeiture Fund. IRS must complete
Form DAG-71 (Exhibit 12-7) to share these assets, and submit the form to
the seizing agency.
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The DAG-71 must be submitted by the Service to the lead Justice Department
agency or Postal Service within 60 days after the seizure. The case agent
must pay particular attention to the dates of seizures made by Justice agencies
or the Postal Service in joint investigations to ensure timely submission
of sharing requests.
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If the DAG-71 is not filed within 60 days of the Justice agency or Postal
Service seizure date, a justification for a waiver of the 60-day rule and
a reason for the waiver must be included with the DAG-71. The justification
is subject to approval by Justice. Failure to adhere to these procedures
may result in delayed or lost shares to the Service and the Treasury Forfeiture
Fund.
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The Treasury and Justice funds contain similar provisions for achieving equitable
sharing between the respective bureaus involved in joint cases. For assets
forfeited on or after October 1, 1993, regardless of the seizure date, Justice
and Treasury agencies will submit sharing requests in joint investigations
to the seizing agency. Upon approval, an appropriate amount will be equitably
shared between Funds.
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Pursuant to Treasury's Guidelines for Seized and Forfeited Property, a copy
of reverse equitable sharing requests shall be forwarded by the district
AFC upon filing to TEOAF, Attn: Equitable Sharing Coordinator, Suite 700,
740 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20220. The district AFC shall call the
AFTRAK SPU and provide the date of seizure, description of seized property,
and seizing agency to obtain an AFTRAK number. A Form 4008S with attached
copy of the DAG-71 must be sent to the AFTRAK SPU.
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The DAG-71 requesting reverse equitable sharing must include the following
information:
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The "Contact Person" section, Part II, should be completed with the name
of the AFC for the requesting district, if possible; otherwise, enter the
name of the case agent.
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The asset requested, Part III, and related property description shall be
specific and include serial numbers or other identifiers as appropriate to
prevent confusion as to the exact asset requested.
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Specific Intended Law Enforcement Use will be either "Place into Official
Use" or "Other" transfer to the Treasury Forfeiture Fund.
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All questions in Part V should be answered with additional details provided
as necessary in Part VI.
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Part VIII., A., "Certifications," should be signed by the Chief, CI, of that
district.
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Part VIII., B., the legal counsel signature, does not have to be completed
by sharing federal agencies.
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The DOJ Asset Forfeiture Fund policy allows a maximum asset sharing amount
of 80 percent. Upon receipt of a check or shared property, a Form 4008S must
be forwarded to the AFTRAK SPU to indicate final disposition of the reverse
equitable sharing request.
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If, after receipt of property, e.g., computer equipment, by CI under a reverse
sharing agreement, it is determined that the property will not meet the 1
year in-service condition of the agreement, the AFC will contact the seizing
agency from whom the property was received and arrange its return. If the
agency does not want the property returned, the AFC will document this response
by memorandum for the file and dispose of the property through Facilities.
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The district office shall also obtain a Subject Seizure Investigation number
for each reverse asset sharing case to track time expended on the seizure
action and to document and monitor the submission of the DAG-71.
Exhibit [9.7]
12-1 (04/30/98)
Sample TDF 92-22.46, Request For Equitable Sharing
Exhibit [9.7] 12-1
(Cont.) (04/30/98)
Sample TDF 92-22.46, Request For Equitable Sharing
Exhibit [9.7] 12-1 (Cont.
3) (04/30/98)
Sample TDF 92-22.46, Request For Equitable Sharing
Exhibit [9.7] 12-1 (Cont.
4) (04/30/98)
Sample TDF 92-22.46, Request For Equitable Sharing
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Exhibit [9.7] 12-2 (04/30/98)
Checklist For Handling Equitable Sharing Request
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CHECKLIST FOR REVIEWING EQUITABLE SHARING
REQUESTS AND
FOR PREPARING DECISION FORMS |
1. |
Was a copy of the request forwarded to TEOAF within 10 days from receipt
of the request? |
2. |
AFTRAK # and Case # must be entered. |
3. |
AFTRAK # must match the asset requested. |
4. |
Date of the signed request by the agency must be within 60 days of the
date of seizure/adoption. If the request is over the 60 day deadline,
justification for the delay must be detailed in the cover memo. |
5. |
A contact name and number must be entered. |
6. |
If sharing is for currency or the proceeds of an asset, the percentage
requested must be entered. |
7. |
If other assets were seized, a list of those assets must be attached.
The AFTRAK # and the value of each asset should be noted. |
8. |
If a vehicle is requested, "Place into Official Use" must be marked. |
9. |
The percentage requested must be equitable and justified by the sharing
application and supporting documentation. |
10. |
Section V must be completed and the number of hours must be entered.
This number must be specific and accurate. "Hundreds" or "thousands" are
not acceptable answers. "250" or "2200" are acceptable entries. |
11. |
A narrative must be completed and adequate details regarding the requestors
participation in the investigation must be completed. Each application should
be unique to the agency and investigation. Applications lacking specificity
and detail are not acceptable. |
12. |
Signatures must be originals. Legal Counsel's review is only needed for
State and Local requests. |
13. |
A cover memo to the AC (CI) is recommended (See Exhibit (11)00-69). |
14. |
If Judicial, insure that a copy of the request was forwarded to the USAO
for review and comment. |
15. |
A Form 4008s must be completed and forwarded to the AFTRAK Special Projects
Unit. A copy of the front of the TD F 92-22.46 must be attached for reference. |
16. |
Review the district files to insure that a Sharing Agreement has been
submitted to TEOAF. |
Completion of the Decision Form |
1. |
A list of "Other Assets Seized" (if applicable) must be attached. |
2. |
A list of "Other Treasury Agencies" involved in the case (if applicable)
must be attached. |
3. |
A list of "Other Agencies Requesting to Share" (if applicable) must be
attached. |
4. |
The number of hours that IRS expended must be entered. |
5. |
Percentage recommendations should be based on: |
|
# of hours expended by Requesting Agency
Total Investigative Hours (All Agencies) |
6. |
An evaluation form for each Requesting Agency must be completed and attached.
If the hours expended do not accurately reflect the Requesting Agencies
participation, this form should be used to support the recommended percentage. |
7. |
If Judicial, insure that a copy of the request was forwarded to the AUSA
involved to either concur with or deny the recommended percentage. |
8. |
The DAFC should initial next to the signature line for the Chief, CID
as verification that he/she reviewed the request. |
9. |
The entire signature block must be completed before submitting the request
to Headquarters, Asset Seizure/Forfeiture Section. |
Exhibit [9.7]
12-3 (04/30/98)
Equitable Sharing Decision Form
Exhibit [9.7] 12-3
(Cont.) (04/30/98)
Equitable Sharing Decision Form
Exhibit [9.7] 12-3 (Cont.
3) (04/30/98)
Equitable Sharing Decision Form |
|
Exhibit [9.7] 12-4 (04/30/98)
Evaluation Report For Sharing Requests
> |
EVALUATION REPORT FOR SHARING REQUESTS |
1. |
Was the seizure adopted? |
|
[ ] No
[ ] Yes |
2. |
What was the degree of direct law enforcement participation by the Federal
Agency or the State/Local law enforcement organization into the investigation
which led to the seizure? |
3. |
Did the requesting agency/organization originate the information that
led to the ultimate seizure?
(If yes, explain). |
|
[ ] No
[ ] Yes |
4. |
Did the requesting agency/organization provide unique or indispensable
assistance? (If yes, explain). |
|
[ ] No
[ ] Yes |
5. |
Could the requesting state or local law enforcement organization obtain
forfeiture of the assets under state law? |
|
[ ] No
[ ] Yes |
|
|
Exhibit [9.7] 12-5 (04/30/98)
Transmittal of Equitable Sharing Request
> |
Internal Revenue Service |
memorandum |
|
date: |
|
to: |
Assistant Commissioner (Criminal Investigation) CP:CI:O:N:A |
|
from: |
Chief, Criminal Investigation Division |
|
( District Name ) |
|
subject: |
Equitable Sharing Request |
|
|
In Re Subject's Name |
|
AFTRAK #: |
|
|
In Accordance with Section VIII of the Department of The
Treasury's Guide to Equitable Sharing, attached herewith is the Request for
Transfer of Property Seized/Forfeited by a Treasury Agency submitted by the
Name of Agency) . |
|
|
Attached also is the respective Decision Forms for Transfer
of Property Judicially Forfeited prepared by the (Name of District
Office) . |
|
|
If members of your staff have any questions, they should
contact (DAFC's Name) , Asset Forfeiture Coordinator, at (Phone
Number) or (DAFS's Name) , District Asset Forfeiture Specialist
at (Phone Number) . |
|
|
|
Chief, Criminal Investigation Division |
|
|
Attachments |
|
|
Exhibit [9.7] 12-6 (04/30/98)
Notification of Equitable Sharing Decision Letter
> |
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE |
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY |
|
District |
Director |
Criminal Investigation |
|
|
Person to Contact: |
(Name of Contact) |
Joe Smurf |
(Name of Local Agency) |
Asset Forfeiture Coordinator |
(Address of Contact) |
Telephone Number: |
(City, State, Zip) |
(xxx) 123-4567 |
|
Refer Reply To: |
|
AFTRAK Asset #: |
|
Date: |
|
(approval date) |
|
|
Exhibit [9.7] 12-6 (04/30/98)
Notification of Equitable Sharing Decision Letter
> |
RE: (Description of Asset) |
|
Dear (Point of Contact): |
|
This letter responds to your sharing request filed with the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking equitable distribution of the
above-described property pursuant to Section 309 of Public Law 98-4733 (the
Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984), as implemented by the Secretary
of the Treasury's Guidelines on Seized and Forfeited Property (October 1993). |
|
In your request for equitable sharing, you asked for the
following: |
|
( ) |
Transfer of the asset described above for placement into
official law enforcement use by our department/agency. |
|
( ) |
_____ % of the net forfeited proceeds resulting from
the above seizure. |
|
DECISION |
|
( ) |
Your sharing request for transfer of this asset has been
granted. Upon forfeiture , it will be released to you contingent upon
the payment of (1) all outstanding liens against the property, (2) all related
seizure and forfeiture expenses incurred by the Department of the Treasury,
and (3) a federal equitable sharing commensurate with the Treasury Agency
participation in this investigation (minimum 20% of fair market value). If
your agency is unable to pay these costs, the asset will be sold and the
maximum percent of net sales proceeds will be awarded in lieu of the asset.
Note: Items (2) and (3) do not apply to Department of Justice agencies
and MAY be waived for state and local law enforcement agencies in exceptional
circumstances. Contact the person named at the top of this letter for further
details. |
|
( ) |
A waiver of the federal share has been approved. |
|
( ) |
Your sharing request for net forfeited proceeds has been
granted in the amount of __ %. Upon forfeiture (and sale, if
appropriate), the funds will be transferred to your agency by check. This
check will include a receipt bearing the seizure number referenced at the
beginning of this letter. If you would prefer to have these funds electronically
transferred to your agency account, please contact the person named above. |
|
If your request has been granted in whole or in part, please
note the following information: |
|
-- |
No property can be shared unless your agency has submitted
a Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement to the Internal Revenue Service. |
|
-- |
All assets placed into official use must be used for a law
enforcement purpose for at least one year. |
|
-- |
All state and local law enforcement agencies must implement
standard accounting procedures and internal controls (e.g., tracking share
requests and receipts, depositing shares into a separate revenue account
or accounting code, restrictively endorsing checks upon receipt) to track
equitably shared monies and tangible property. See the Department of Treasury
Guide to Equitable Sharing for details. |
|
-- |
Any property transferred to your agency must be utilized
as a budget enhancement and not as a budget offset. |
|
-- |
On occasion, circumstances arise which may require the return
of forfeited property or proceeds after it has been equitably shared.
If those circumstances occur, you may be requested to return the property
or proceeds shared with you, or to have an equitable amount deducted from
a future equitable share. |
|
As previously stated, this sharing request will be processed
upon forfeiture of the asset. If no claims or petitions are filed, administrative
forfeitures generally occur within 90 days of seizure. These estimates do
not include the time required to sell an asset. |
|
If you have any questions regarding this letter or the status
of the related forfeiture action, please contact the person named above. |
|
|
Sincerely, |
|
|
|
_____________________ |
|
|
Chief, Asset Forfeiture Section |
Exhibit [9.7]
12-7 (04/30/98)
Sample Form DAG-71, Application For Transfer of Federally Forfeited
Property
Exhibit [9.7] 12-7
(Cont.) (04/30/98)
Sample Form DAG-71, Application For Transfer of Federally Forfeited
Property |
|
Internal Revenue Manual
|
Hndbk. 9.7 Chap. 12 Equitable Sharing and Reverse Asset Sharing
|
(04-30-1998)
|
|
|