Enhancing and modernizing the Romanian asset recovery system
The component, proposed by ANABI, is designed to support the implementation of The National Strategy on the Recovery of Crime-related Claims for the period 2021-2025, – “Crime is not profitable!" and its Action Plan.
A specific objective of the strategy is to improve the professionalism and effectiveness of institutions involved in the asset recovery and management process. To achieve this, the component focuses on enhancing quality criteria in asset recovery and management activities. This involves reviewing the system of indicators used to assess the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of these processes, ensuring higher standards and better results.
An essential measure within the component is the evaluation of the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of crime-related asset recovery chain through an external audit. This audit will assess the investigative, prosecution and administrative support capabilities of Romanian authorities responsible for asset recovery, identifying areas for improvement and adopting best practices. This audit will assess, in an integrated manner, the national system of asset recovery with its main pillars: investigation, prosecution and administrative support capabilities of Romanian authorities such as ANABI. This audit will offer an updated overall picture of the national system and provide recommendations for improvement via administrative, legislative and policy level measures, as well as by promoting wide dissemination of best practices. As such, this document will provide solid bases for the new Asset recovery strategy 2026 -2030 which is to be developed by ANABI in consultations with the main stakeholders and adopted by the Romanian Government, at the proposal of MoJ.
To further enhance the capacity of Romanian authorities in the recovery of crime-related assets, the component will engage in a strategic partnership with Swiss entities, building on previous successful collaborations. Specifically, the component will closely collaborate with the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) of the Basel Institute on Governance. This partnership aims to leverage Swiss expertise to enhance knowledge and exchange best practices in asset recovery.
The Swiss partnership will be instrumental in providing high-level technical assistance, specialized training, and facilitating the dissemination of international best practices. This collaboration will significantly contribute to achieving the component 's objectives by enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of institutions involved in asset recovery and management. Through this partnership, the component ensures alignment with international standards and practices, thereby fortifying the Romanian system for combating serious crimes and reinforcing the principle that criminal activities "do not pay."