AAPSK at the BAMIN Regional Workshop, Xhaja: We strengthen cooperation, expand initiatives for social reuse of criminal assets

September 25, 2025

The Chief Administrator of the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK), Ms. Risena Xhaja, participated in the regional workshop organized by the Balkan Asset Management Agencies Network (BAMIN), in cooperation with GIZ, within the framework of the EU4FAST project.
The meeting on the topic “Planning for Effective Asset Management: Considerations before Seizure” brought together representatives from the Western Balkan countries and other BAMIN member and observer countries, to exchange best practices on planning before the seizure of assets, as an essential step for preserving their value until their final disposal.
In her speech, Ms. Xhaja presented Albania’s progress in the management of seized and confiscated assets, emphasizing in particular their social reuse as a practice that is already consolidated, but with the objective of expanding further.

“Albania has made important steps forward in the management of seized assets, turning them from an inherited problem into an opportunity for social and economic development. Today, confiscated assets are not only managed, but they are also put to use, serving the community and in particular the vulnerable segments of society. There are a number of initiatives undertaken thanks to the support of international partners, whom I would like to thank, as well as in cooperation with civil society organizations. We aim to further expand these projects,” said Ms. Xhaja.
She noted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices, while adding that the Albanian experience is increasingly serving as a model for several countries in the region.
“The social reuse of confiscated assets is an added value that we have chosen to promote, because it directly contributes to strengthening citizens’ trust in justice and the rule of law,” – emphasized the Chief Administrator of AAPSK.
The workshop focused on understanding the new EU and FATF standards on asset management, analyzing current practices in the region, and identifying barriers that hinder the successful implementation of pre-seizure planning. The conclusions and recommendations of this workshop will serve regional actors to further strengthen their capacities in this area.