Between January and July 2025, the Action against Economic Crime conducted a comprehensive series of capacity-building sessions aimed at enhancing the skills of law enforcement and judicial authorities in the application of non-conviction-based confiscations (NCBC).

Over 50 professionals from key institutions—including the Financial Police, Ministry of Justice, Prosecutor’s Offices, State Attorney’s Office, and judiciary—participated in this activity. Participants gained in-depth practical knowledge of international standards, local legislative frameworks, investigative powers, and human rights considerations essential to the effective use of NCBC.

The sessions combined presentations with interactive group exercises and engaging discussions, providing participants with a well-rounded understanding of how to tackle organised crime and corruption through innovative asset recovery techniques. These sessions emphasised the importance of balancing operational effectiveness with legal safeguards and human rights protections. 

Significantly, the capacity-building sessions also fostered stronger coordination and cooperation between legal and investigative bodies. This improved collaboration is a crucial step forward in enhancing North Macedonia’s ability to dismantle criminal networks and recover illicit assets through NCBC confiscation.

By equipping law enforcement and judicial authorities with the necessary knowledge and tools, this initiative supports North Macedonia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the rule of law, combating economic crime more effectively and successfully implementing the Law on confiscation of property in civil proceedings.

This initiative was implemented by the Action against economic crime in North Macedonia, within the framework of the European Union/Council of Europe joint Programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye.