Assets confiscated from criminal activities will be used for projects and needs of public interest. The Commission responsible for deciding how these assets will be used has held its first meeting. This marks a necessary step in implementing the mechanism through which confiscated assets are redirected for the benefit of people and communities, TRIBUNA reports.

Minister of Justice Vladislav Cojuhari emphasized that this is an important step in strengthening the state’s policy on the recovery and utilization of criminal assets, as well as a key stage in the practical implementation of the legal framework developed by the Ministry of Justice.

“Combating corruption and organized crime does not end with investigating offences, holding those responsible accountable, and confiscating illegally obtained assets. It is equally important that recovered resources are returned to society’s benefit. In this way, the results of efforts to fight crime are transformed into tangible benefits for people, communities, and especially for individuals and groups in need of support,” Minister Vladislav Cojuhari stated.

During the first meeting, the Commission elected its chairperson and discussed general aspects related to its organization and operation.

“Through this Commission, we are not merely seeking to formally establish a collegial body, but to launch an activity that must produce concrete results. We need a functional commission, procedures that are clearly understood and uniformly applied, effective institutional cooperation, and, above all, decisions based on real needs and on the benefits that the use of these assets can bring to society,” the Minister added.

The regulation governing the Commission’s operation and the procedure for transferring confiscated assets for social or public-interest purposes was approved by the Government in August. It implements the Law on the Use of Confiscated Assets for Social or Public-Interest Purposes, which entered into force at the beginning of this year.

Information on assets eligible for social or public-interest use will be published by the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency. The process will begin with the publication of a public list of assets, enabling interested individuals and organizations to identify eligible property and submit applications for its use.

The Commission will examine applications through a transparent mechanism and decide who may receive an asset and for what purpose it may be used.

The use of assets confiscated from crimes for social purposes is one of the objectives included in the Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan for 2025–2027 and is also a commitment undertaken by the Republic of Moldova as part of its European integration process.