Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to article 57 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption 2004, what embezzled public funds the Serious and Organised Crime Agency has returned to victim governments following convictions in the UK for money laundering and corruption in the last five years. [11526]

Nick Herbert: SOCA is one of a number of UK law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the proceeds of corruption. SOCA does not have a role in the return of recovered funds to victim countries. Confiscation of assets is a matter for the courts. The subsequent enforcement of a court order is the responsibility of Her Majesty’s Court Service. The return of recovered assets is the responsibility of the Government.

According to the latest data we hold, £1.37 million has been returned following convictions in the UK; a further £16.4 million has been recovered through civil actions launched by the Government of Nigeria in the UK building on Metropolitan police case work.

A further £162 million is frozen in the UK (as a result of Metropolitan police and SOCA work).