Chief Administrator of AAPSK at the Psycho-Social Center “Vatra” in Vlora: More initiatives for the social reuse of seized assets

August 22, 2025

The Chief Administrator of the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK), Ms. Risena Xhaja, today visited the Psycho-Social Center “Vatra” in the city of Vlora, one of the successful projects for the social reuse of assets seized from organized crime. During the meeting with the center’s managers and staff, the long-term […]

During the meeting with the center’s managers and staff, the long-term work and dedication of “Vatra” in the protection and empowerment of victims of human trafficking, gender-based violence and domestic violence were appreciated. Since its establishment in 1999, this center has assisted thousands of women, girls and children in need, offering residential and community services, psychological, social, legal and educational support.

Chief Administrator Xhaja emphasized that the “Vatra” model is an inspiring example of how seized assets can be turned into public value, serving the community and the most vulnerable groups in society.

“This is one of the cases where assets seized from organized crime are transformed into useful spaces for citizens, directly contributing to the protection of people’s lives and dignity. Our goal is to further expand this initiative, increasingly giving such assets a social and community function,” said Ms. Xhaja.

AAPSK is committed to increasing the number of similar projects across the country, in cooperation with civil society organizations, local governments and international partners, turning the social reuse of seized or confiscated assets into a sustainable mechanism for strengthening the rule of law and supporting local communities.