Martin Kenney & Co (MKS) hosted the 20th anniversary conference of ICC Fraudnet at Scrub Island resort
A gathering of elite asset recovery lawyers drawn from across the globe has been hailed as a “resounding success” by BVI-based lawyer, Martin Kenney, whose firm Martin Kenney & Co (MKS) hosted the event at Scrub Island last week and across the weekend (18-21 April).
The 39th conference of ICC Fraudnet, which is comprised of asset recovery lawyers and related specialists from across the world, brought together nearly 100 lawyers to discuss the latest innovations in asset recovery, including the impact of artificial intelligence and “hot topics” across the sector.
Martin Kenney, an asset recovery lawyer based in the BVI since 2005 and widely-regarded as one of the leaders in the field, said the event – which was sponsored by BVI Finance and featuring a keynote address by Deputy Premier Lorna Smith – had been an important one.
Martin Kenney, Head of Firm at Martin Kenney & Co (MKS), said:
“Our network’s 20th anniversary event was a resounding success and marks a watershed for our members. Between them, they work on cases collectively worth billions of dollars of misappropriated wealth, and it’s vitally important that we meet, benchmark and share knowledge. This was our first chance to do so in the BVI since 2014, and it was our honour to host everyone here.
“We are grateful to our headline sponsors, BVI Finance, as well as to the Deputy Premier Lorna Smith for her keynote address, in making everyone feel so welcome. Staff at Scrub Island worked tirelessly, as did all of our team, and we know that our colleagues have been left with very special memories of the territory after their visit.
“There’s a serious side to this as well. With fraud, money laundering and other forms of financial crime at such high levels across so many parts of the world, this was a chance to show our network some of the important work that the territory has undertaken in order to improve and lead on transparency and compliance. I’m sure they left impressed by all that’s been achieved.”
The Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade in the Government of the Virgin Islands, paid tribute to Martin Kenney during her keynote address:
“Let me first extend heartfelt congratulations to your host, Martin Kenney, who I understand to be FraudNet’s founding member #002. Martin has been a pillar of support for the Virgin Islands for over two decades. His contributions have significantly enriched our private sector, and his strategic counsel has proven invaluable to successive governments. Martin, thank you for your ongoing advice and assistance – we are deeply grateful.
“I am immensely proud that ICC FraudNet chose the Virgin Islands for its 20th anniversary conference. There is no doubt that we face challenges from those with criminal intent who seek to misuse our services. The decision by ICC FraudNet to come to the Virgin Islands reflects our shared responsibility to ensure that financial crime is investigated and prosecuted and that assets lost or stolen are identified and recovered through the courts.
“As you all know, the threats we face from fraud and other financial crimes escalate year after year. Geopolitical instability only increases those risks. Therefore, your work in pursuing successful litigation against those who misuse the financial system has never been more critical.”
The event was headline sponsored by BVI Finance, including a discussion led by CEO Elise Donovan.
ICC FraudNet
iccfraudnet.org
ICC FraudNet is a worldwide network of leading lawyers who specialise in fraud, international asset tracing and recovery. Martin Kenney is the FraudNet member for the BVI, while our Counsel, Markus Stadler, is a FraudNet Future member.
