Asset stripping punishes debtors who, knowing their obligation, harm creditors by disposing of or hiding assets. It often appears with fraud or after an unenforced civil judgment. Victims see zero accounts and cars sold to a sibling. Proof needs chronology, prices and creditor concurrency. This analysis covers signals, evidence and how we act when assets “vanish” in weeks.
What it is in practice
Debtor with enforceable obligation acting against creditors: sales, gifts, corporate transfers.
May stand alone or combine with other property offences.
You need not be the only creditor; insolvency and intent to harm matter.
Proof is economic and temporal: before/after the credit arose.
Warning signs
Transfer of home or vehicle to family without real consideration soon after default.
New companies receiving the business without market price.
Mass cash withdrawals after demand or complaint.
Simulated preferential loans to related parties.
Useful evidence
Land and movable property registries: dates and holders.
Sale price compared with market value.
Statements showing where sale proceeds went.
Witnesses at notarial acts when collusion is indicated.
Coordination with other routes
Civil pauliana action may void fraudulent acts; criminal adds pressure and measures.
In insolvency, timing changes: speak with the insolvency administrator.
Precautionary measures on what is not yet sold.
One coherent story between fraud complaint and stripping avoids contradiction.
What to bring
Credit: contract, judgment, defrauded transfers, live amount.
List of known assets before suspicious deals.
Deeds or registry data on recent transfers.
With that we assess complaint, civil actions and measure urgency.