This forum brought together high-level representatives from state institutions, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to discuss strengthening best practices for the recovery and management of seized and confiscated assets in the context of the fight against organized crime in the region and beyond.

In her speech, Xhaja shared the experience and practices that the AAPSK has developed in the effective management of seized and confiscated assets in Albania, as a key component in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

She emphasized the increasingly important role of the Agency in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the asset management process, highlighting the progress made in drafting the Manual of Procedures for the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets—a key document that standardizes institutional steps and guarantees equal and lawful treatment across all categories of assets managed by the AAPSK.

“Through this handbook, we are establishing a clear framework for asset management, which includes detailed procedures for the assumption of control and administration, preservation, temporary use, or sale of assets in accordance with the decisions of the competent authorities,” stated Xhaja. “This represents a decisive step toward enhancing the professionalism of our work and aligning our practices with European Union standards.”

She also addressed the challenges associated with the management of complex assets, such as active businesses or high-value properties, emphasizing the need for close cooperation with judicial institutions, the Police, Tax Authorities, and financial investigation units to ensure an efficient and impartial process.

The Chief Administrator of AAPSK further underscored the importance of sharing best practices among the participating States and highlighted the necessity to intensify regional cooperation, with the objective of strengthening both technical expertise and institutional capacities within this domain.

AAPSK’s participation in this forum underscores Albania’s commitment to being an active participant in international efforts against illicit assets and advancing the fulfillment of European integration priorities through the strengthening of the rule of law and the enhancement of mechanisms to combat organized crime.
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