U.S. Department
of Justice
Asset Forfeiture Unit
Forfeiture is one of the most effective weapons in the law enforcement arsenal. The purpose of the program is to immobilize criminal enterprises and to enhance cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Federal law enforcement agencies team with state and local agencies to work joint cases resulting in forfeiture, or federal agencies may adopt state and local seizures for federal forfeiture whenever appropriate. The Federal Asset Forfeiture Equitable Sharing Program allows state and local law enforcement agencies to share in the proceeds of forfeitures in cases in which they directed participated. Equitable sharing is the distribution of a percentage of forfeiture proceeds to such agencies. The program has been a success in fostering cooperation with our state and local law enforcement colleagues.
In cases which are entirely federal, the property is forfeited and either placed in use (such as a vehicle) or sold with the proceeds going into the federal treasury.
In jointly investigated cases (those cases investigated by federal and state/local agencies), the forfeited proceeds on the property are equitably shared. For example, if the FBI and the State Police work a case together, putting equal time on the case, then the proceeds would be divided 50-50, after deductions for expenses. For more information on forfeitable property or if you have any questions as to the asset forfeiture program, you may contact the Asset Forfeiture Unit at (540) 857-2250.
Find Sales of Seized Property
The U.S. Marshal’s Service offers for sale to the public property forfeited under laws enforced or administered by the U.S. Department of Justice. This is a list of contract service providers and federal agencies who have been authorized to sell forfeited property for the USMS.
For a paper copy of the list, send your name, address and a check or money order for $1.00 to:
Federal Citizen Information Center
Dept. 319P, Pueblo, CO 81009
or call 888-878-3256 and request Item 319P
For a copy from Fax-on-demand, call 202-307-9777.
The property offered for sale may include a wide range of personal property such as motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, jewelry, art, antiques, and collectibles.
Find more information about sales of government surplus and forfeited property at: