International Association of Prosecutors

The International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) was established in June 1995 at the United Nations Offices in Vienna and was formally inaugurated in Budapest at its first General Meeting in September 1996. The main impetus leading to its formation was the rapid growth in serious transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud. The need was perceived for greater international co-operation between prosecutors and for greater speed and efficiency in mutual assistance, asset tracking and other international co-operative measures. The IAP is a non-governmental and non-political organisation. It is the first and only world association of prosecutors. Its member- ship now comprises more than 1500 individual prosecutors and, as organisational members, 108 associations of prosecutors, prosecuting agencies and crime prevention agencies. Members come from more than 120 countries and represent over 200,000 prosecutors.