Switzerland to support Moldova in confiscation, recovery of criminal assets

The Justice Ministry and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SCD) today signed the Agreement on implementing the first phase of the Supporting Moldova in Confiscating and Recovering Criminal Assets (CRESTA) Project.

Thus, Switzerland will support such institutions as the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency (ARBI) and the General Prosecutor's Office through case expertise, training for magistrates and the effective enforcement of legislation in the field. The Justice Ministry will coordinate the activities.

The project, with a duration of four years, aims to develop mechanisms for identifying, confiscating and recovering assets which came from illegal activities, so that the resources got are directed towards projects of national interest and benefit the society.

After signing the Agreement, Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru said that this project precisely supported the country’s national commitments regarding the work of mechanisms for the confiscation and recovery of criminal assets.

‘’Collaboration with Switzerland and the recognized expertise of the project will provide us not only with technical support, but also the confidence that we can build an efficient and results-oriented justice system,’’ said Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

The initiative is integrated into the European Moldova 2030 National Development Strategy and the 2026–2028 National Development Plan and contributes to achieving the UN goals on reducing corruption.