verb

(of the state or an authority) take (property) from its owner for public use or benefit.

their assets were expropriated by the government

seize,take away,take over,take,appropriate,take possession of,requisition,commandeer,claim,make claim to,assume,acquire,sequestrate,wrest,impound,confiscate,misappropriate,usurp,arrogate,hijack,distrain,disseize,attach,poind