If a Federal agency declines to adopt a seizure but has no objection to the direct adoption of the seizure by the U.S. Attorney for judicial forfeiture under federal law, the U.S. Attorney may adopt the seizure and pursue the forfeiture civilly or criminally. On the other hand, if the federal agency declines to adopt the seizure and believes that it should not be adopted for federal forfeiture and the U.S. Attorney disagrees, the U.S. Attorney may refer the matter to MNF. After consulting with the headquarters office of the seizing agency, MNF may authorize direct adoption of the seizure or category of seizures by the U.S. Attorney where a compelling law enforcement purpose justifies such action. See Chapter 1 of the Asset Forfeiture Policy Manual and JM 9-116.170.

[updated January 2026]