A two-day workshop was organized on 28 and 29 January 2025, to present and discuss proposals for strengthening of asset management procedures for the seized assets of complex nature. Representatives of Serbian Asset Management Office and Special Prosecutors Office had the opportunity to benefit from presentations on the baseline analysis of the current procedures in force for management of: seized virtual currencies, high-maintenance property, property with high-fluctuation in value and assignment procedures of seized vehicles for interim use – and recommendations for strengthening of these procedures. 

Challenges related to management of complex assets are not unique to Serbia, as many countries are struggling to preserve the volatile value of seized virtual assets and to maintain luxurious and challenging property with limited resources at their disposal.  To respond on the key challenges and deficiencies identified, a set of recommendations was developed based on the international standards and comparative practices of the EU countries and discussed with beneficiaries. Main recommendations concern the increase of management options at disposal of Serbian authorities and development of precise instructions on how to enforce these options within the existing resources, strengthening of institutional coordination in pre-seizure planning and maintaining records on managed property.

The four guidelines which were presented during the workshop will serve as the starting point for development of the set of bylaws of Ministry of Justice, that should optimise the management of seized property and decrease the risks of dissipation and damage claims against the state.

The activity has taken place within the Project “Countering Economic Crime in Serbia”, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, and implemented by the Council of Europe.