Albania seizes €61 million in criminal assets, pledges public use

Albania’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Besfort Lamallari, announced that during 2025 the state confiscated hundreds of assets valued at more than €61 million as part of its fight against organized crime and corruption. The government plans to channel the seized wealth into public projects – funding schools, hospitals, community centres and other social programmes – to restore public trust.

Lamallari said the aim is to turn “criminal wealth into public value” and highlighted the need to address modern threats such as crypto‑assets and cross‑border money laundering. The effort is linked to Albania’s bid for European Union membership; EU officials have noted progress but stressed that further work is required. Thousands of assets remain under administration while authorities coordinate with Europol, Eurojust and other partners.

The initiative reflects a broader strategy of not only arresting offenders but also stripping them of financial power and redirecting those resources for the benefit of citizens.