18 U.S.C. § 981

18 U.S.C. § 981 outlines the procedures for the United States to seize and recover property and assets obtained through illegal activities, such as fraud or money laundering. It provides the federal government's authority to pursue civil forfeiture—seizing property linked to criminal conduct—even if the owner was not convicted. This law allows for the collection of assets involved in or derived from unlawful activities, serving as a tool to prevent criminals from profiting from their crimes and to assist in retrieving stolen or illicit gains.