Establishment and Operationalisation of the Asset Recovery Office – Measure 5.1.1

This document presents the implementation of the Reform Agenda step establishing and operationalising the Asset Recovery Office (ARO) as Albania’s national coordination unit for the identification, tracing and exchange of information on assets, in line with European Union standards. Following the adoption of Law No. 44/2025, the ARO was established as a specialised structure within the General Directorate of the State Police, with an approved organisational framework, dedicated staff, standard operating procedures and access to national and international cooperation platforms.

The Office is now fully operational and serves as Albania’s national contact point for international asset recovery cooperation through secure communication channels, including SIENA and CARIN. During the reporting period, the ARO processed domestic and international requests, identified and verified assets and persons, and exchanged operational information with partner authorities across Europe and beyond. The reform strengthens the fight against organised crime and corruption, improves the recovery of criminal assets, and enhances Albania’s capacity for international law enforcement cooperation.