On February 7, 2026, Abidjan was the scene of a large-scale operation conducted by the Agency for the Management and Recovery of Criminal Assets (AGRAC) . For its first auction of the year, the agency mobilized more than 250 participants around a clear objective: to prove that crime does not pay.

A diverse inventory resulting from criminal seizures

The goods for sale resulted from legal proceedings related to illegal gold mining, fraud, and money laundering. The catalog included:

1. Transport equipment: 80 metered taxis, 2 minibuses, 2 pickups and 1 utility vehicle.
2. Energy: 1,241 butane gas cylinders (models B6 and B12).

For five hours, under the direction of Maître Kouamé Ané Jean Bruce, a judicial commissioner, bidders from all over the country competed for these lots in a strictly regulated setting.

A mechanism for transparency and preservation

The stakes for the Ivorian state go beyond a simple commercial transaction. This initiative addresses two strategic imperatives:

1. Financial sanctions: Depriving criminals of the profits from their illicit activities.
2. Guaranteeing value: Selling movable property before it deteriorates (pre-judgment sale) to avoid its total depreciation.

Note: The funds raised are not spent immediately. They are held securely in a public treasury account pending final court decisions.

The pivotal role of AGRAC

As a public institution, AGRAC is the state's enforcement arm for freezing and confiscation orders. Through these sales, the agency strengthens the credibility of the fight against economic and financial crime in Côte d'Ivoire.