EU 1.8 million euros for the transformation of confiscated criminal assets for public service in Albania

From art centers, to weaving workshops, initiatives that transform seized assets support crime victims and prevent young people from getting involved in crime.

Since 2016, the EU has invested around 1.8 million euros to transform assets confiscated from criminal activity in Albania.

The conference “From Illegal Gains to Public Good: The Future of Confiscated Assets” was held in Tirana, attended by state authorities and representatives of international organizations.

The Head of the Political Section at the European Union Delegation in Albania, Andre Rizzo, said that the EU’s approach towards reinvesting confiscated capital for public benefit remains an unchanged commitment.

“Confiscating assets acquired from criminal activities is not just about seizing the assets. It’s about returning that wealth to society, restoring trust in justice, and ensuring that crime does not profit. The EU has long supported this approach and has rules in place on how confiscated assets should be managed and reinvested for public benefit to finance social programs, support vulnerable groups, and build a more just and inclusive society,” said Rizzo.

From art centers to weaving workshops, initiatives that transform confiscated assets support crime victims and prevent youth involvement in crime.

Albanian Interior Minister, Ervin Hoxha, presented the situation, emphasizing that the fight against crime is only successful when assets or properties resulting from criminal activity are confiscated.

Minister Hoxha stated that “the goal is the sound management of such an asset, which means its return to public service.”

“This happens either through exploitation by state structures, as well as granting for private use, or final sale at auction, dual, as the law provides,” he emphasized.

The purpose of the conference in Tirana was to exchange experiences domestically with those of foreign authorities, on the most effective way to repurpose assets with criminal sources so that they are put to public service.