A new asset sharing arrangement between the UK and Albania has been signed, marking the first agreement of its kind in the Western Balkans region. The deal, formally completed and signed in the UK on August 6, 2026, sets a new precedent for international cooperation on asset recovery and serious organised crime.
The arrangement stems from a concluded prosecution for conspiracy to supply cannabis in England and Wales. Following joint efforts by UK and Albanian authorities, proceeds of crime were identified and recovered in Albania.
Under the agreement, the recovered proceeds from this specific case, totalling £54,000 in real estate assets, will be split equally between the two countries. This initiative aims to allow seized assets to be reinvested for social good in both nations.
The agreement reflects the UK's commitment to tackling serious organised crime networks, which pose significant challenges for both countries. Both governments are dedicated to disrupting these networks and ensuring that crime does not pay.