The European Union and Council of Europe Joint Project against Economic Crime (PECK III) supported a field visit to the warehouse of Agency on Administration of Sequestrated or Confiscated Assets (AMSCA) which took place on 29 June 2021 in the vicinity of Pristina.
A delegation of 20 prosecutors, judges and AMSCA officials headed by the Deputy Minister of Justice of Kosovo and Deputy Head of EU Office were acquainted with the on-site situation of the 330 sequestrated vehicles which are held in the warehouse for several years pending final decision. They learned about the depreciating value of such vehicles and challenges faced by AMSCA in executing their disposal.
The Deputy Minister of Justice reiterated that “confiscation and sequestration of illegal assets is a top priority for the Ministry of Justice which is currently engaged to reduce legal barriers for effective disposal of assets, including further empowerment of the AMSCA”. The Deputy Head of EU Office emphasised that “fighting corruption remains a top priority for the EU and confiscation and disposal of assets are means to achieve that”.
The visit was followed by a roundtable discussion on the main challenges and recommendations stemming from the Review of the legal and operational framework of the AMSCA conducted within the framework of PECK III. Participants focused on challenges related to interinstitutional cooperation between AMSCA, Prosecution and Judiciary as means to ensure effective disposal of sequestrated and confiscated assets.
The participants highlighted the relevance of such initiative to make relevant stakeholders aware of the current situation. Moreover, they emphasised the need of enhanced coordination between AMSCA, prosecution and judiciary in the pre-sequestration phase and the importance of capacity building of judges and prosecutors in this respect.
Further support shall be provided within the framework of PECK III Project in order to address the recommendations arising from the Review of the legal and operational framework of the AMSCA.