Asset Recovery Challenges in AML/CFT
The Paulus Tannos Extradition Case
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59593/amlcft.2026.v5i1.290Keywords:
Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Asset Recovery, Extradition, Legal Sovereignty, Transnational Financial CrimeAbstract
This study analyzes the challenges of implementing the Indonesia–Singapore Extradition Treaty (Law No. 5 of 2023) within the framework of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and asset recovery. Using a normative-empirical legal research method (socio-legal research) with a descriptive-analytical approach, data were collected through library research, in-depth qualitative interviews with the Ministry of Law of the Republic of Indonesia, and a case study of the fugitive Paulus Tannos. The findings show that although the law provides a progressive breakthrough through its 18-year retroactive clause, its implementation faces complex juridical and technical obstacles. The main obstacles include layered judicial proceedings in the requested state that have not yet reached a final and binding decision, differences in the prima facie evidentiary standard between civil law and common law systems, identity laundering tactics through a Guinea-Bissau passport, the exploitation of health grounds, and the use of legal delaying tactics in foreign jurisdictions and in domestic pre-trial proceedings (praperadilan). In addition, the absence of a Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture regime makes the return of fugitives (Follow the Suspect) an absolute precondition for obtaining a final and binding judgment (res judicata) for the execution of asset recovery (Follow the Money). The study concludes that the effectiveness of the extradition instrument depends heavily on the accuracy of affidavit documents, the provision of diplomatic assurances, and cross-border law enforcement intelligence synergy in order to break the chain of impunity for transnational financial crime.
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Copyright (c) 2026 M Zaki Rizaldi, Masdar Bakhtiar, Awaluddin Kadriah, Ari Wuisang, Sobar Sukmana
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