The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) was a non-ministerial government department in the United Kingdom.

The ARA became operational in February 2003, but it failed to meet its targets for the confiscation of criminal funds.

There were also proposals for other law enforcement agencies, such as HMRC, to be given similar powers of civil recovery at the same time.

POCA strengthened the legislation relating to seizures of cash, money laundering, investigatory powers, and restraint and confiscation procedures.

It had more success in freezing criminal's assets, with £68.45m frozen in June 2006, but found its actions were frustrated by lengthy and expensive court cases.