OSCE supports the Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network on enhancing the effectiveness of jurisdictions’ efforts in dealing with asset seizure and management

The OSCE-supported meeting of the Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network (BAMIN) Steering Group took place in Tirana on 12 and 13 February 2020. The event was hosted by the Agency for Seized and Confiscated Assets of Albania’s Ministry of Finance. Participants discussed ways the Network could reach its aim of achieving full operationalization and sustainable management, including by involving new members or observers for the years 2020– 2022.

At the opening of the meeting, Bosnia and Herzegovina handed over the presidency of BAMIN to Montenegro. The Steering Group, which is composed of the  previous, current, and next year’s presidency, takes key decisions on BAMIN’s priorities and work programme.

The meeting discussed various issues including: expanding the Network’s membership, developing activities for 2020, improving the understanding of the legislative framework and practice of asset management of the national systems, and enhancing co-operation in the region. Increasing BAMIN’s involvement in the Global Asset Management/Asset Recovery Forums and Regional Asset Management Projects was also part of the discussion.  

Artur Kala, Director of the Agency for Seized and Confiscated Assets, who represented the OSCE Chairmanship, opened the meeting: “As stated by the Albanian Prime Minister and the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama, we will use our leadership to prioritize the fight against organized and economic crime and anti-corruption. In this regard, confiscation and administration of criminal assets should be recognized as a strategic priority. We need to strengthen both policy and practice. Therefore, the work of BAMIN, aimed at improving our inter-institutional co-operation and effectiveness, is closely linked to what we hope to advance during the time of Albania’s Chairmanship.”

The OSCE supports the Network through the extra-budgetary project “Strengthening the fight against transnational crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use.” The project is being implemented by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA). The managers of the project, Denise Mazzolani, Deputy Head of the Strategic Police Matters Unit (TNTD), and Iris Pilika, Programme Officer, Economic Co-operation and Governance (OCEEA), emphasized the importance of a platform for co-operation, such as BAMIN, to effectively manage assets seized from organized crime and corruption cases. The cross-dimensional project adopts a comprehensive approach by providing support during the entire cycle of asset seizure, management and re-use.

The project is supported by the U.S. Department of State.