TIRANA, Sept 30 /ATA/ Seized and confiscated assets are expected to be managed under new rules as part of legal amendments approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, including plans to establish a dedicated fund for the management of unauthorized constructions.
The amendments also cover assets confiscated by local authorities, primarily unauthorised buildings, with the aim of putting them to use for the benefit of the community.
Risena Xhaja, head of the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK), explained that the dedicated fund for unauthorised constructions will be financed from revenues generated through the management of these assets. According to her, under the new procedures, pre-emption rights will be addressed first, after which the assets will be managed in accordance with the law.
Xhaja said that AAPSK is currently administering five construction companies, while procedures for the handover of the assets are being finalised. She noted that the agency has gained experience in managing construction companies, including cases where investors have abandoned their operations.
“We have gained sufficient experience to manage construction companies. We currently have five construction companies under administration, and we are finalising the procedures for the handover of the assets,” she said.
According to Xhaja, the value of assets confiscated around three years ago is estimated at approximately €15 million, while their administration is expected to generate revenue.
Changes are also planned for the administration of cryptocurrencies. Xhaja said the French model for managing cryptocurrencies will be considered, in line with the legal framework currently in the pipeline.
Another new provision would allow AAPSK to conduct asset sale procedures directly, in addition to leasing, through public auctions. The agency would assume direct responsibility for the valuation and administration of the assets, as well as for transferring the proceeds from their sale.
Speaking during discussions at the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia said the main aim of the draft law is to ensure the proper management and most economically efficient use of seized assets, while safeguarding the public interest.
According to him, the draft law introduces amendments to the relevant provisions, expanding the scope of the legislation on seized assets and providing for the establishment of a dedicated fund for the management of unauthorised constructions.
Another key change, he noted, concerns asset sale procedures. The agency will conduct the sales in accordance with auction legislation, assuming direct responsibility for managing the process.
The draft law also provides for the inclusion of virtual currencies among the categories of assets subject to administration by the agency.
“The agency will be responsible for the maintenance, management and temporary use of these assets until the process is finally concluded,” Qefalia said.
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