Criminal activities operating across borders have been dealt a direct financial blow following a bilateral collaboration between British and Albanian authorities. The United Kingdom and Albania have signed a historic Asset Sharing Agreement, setting a new precedent for the Western Balkans region in the fight against organised crime and illicit finance.
This first-of-its-kind agreement follows the conclusion of a criminal case involving a scheme to supply cannabis to criminal groups in England and Wales. Through the joint work of structures from both countries, the assets derived from this activity were identified and successfully recovered in Albania.
Key details of the agreement:
Equal sharing: The recovered assets, which in this initial case amount to £54,000 in real estate, will be split 50% between the UK Government and the Seized and Confiscated Assets Management Agency (SCAMA).
Social reinvestment: The confiscated funds will be used to put back into society through socially beneficial projects in both nations.
In the first half of 2025 alone, the value of seized assets exceeded 58 million euros (including over 1,000 real estate properties).
In addition to the seizures, the UK is supporting Albania with equipment, software and training to combat money laundering, the use of cryptocurrencies and informal money transfers. The process was carried out with the support of the Home Office, the NCA, the CPS and the AAPSK.
