From September 17 to 19, 2024, the Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network (BAMIN) held its Annual General Meeting and Workshop in North Macedonia. The event, hosted by the North Macedonian Agency for Management of Seized and Confiscated Property, was co-organized by the BAMIN Secretariat (managed by Fondazione SAFE) and supported by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Practitioners from 24 national asset management offices across the region marked BAMIN’s 9th annual meeting. The event featured discussions on key issues in asset management, with a special focus on the effective management of crypto assets.

A highlight of the event was a two-day training on the Seizure and Management of Crypto Assets. This advanced course gave participants critical insights into the complex processes of seizing crypto currencies. It covered the legal frameworks, investigative techniques, and practical strategies for effectively seizing and managing digital assets in various scenarios.

The training aimed to deepen the participants’ expertise in combating crypto-related crimes, such as money laundering, fraud, and corruption, by focusing on the crucial process of swiftly seizing crypto. The curriculum included key topics including the importance of pre-seizure planning, the asset recovery lifecycle, and overcoming international challenges in crypto asset recovery. The hands-on approach allowed participants to enhance decision-making skills and learn to integrate innovative solutions for improved efficiency in high-stake and complex crypto seizure operations.

Participants engaged in practical sessions, including case studies and real-world exercises on seizing cryptocurrency, ensuring they left with advanced knowledge and actionable strategies for managing digital assets effectively.

The BAMIN AGM concluded with commitments to further enhance regional cooperation in asset management and to address emerging challenges in the evolving landscape of digital assets and financial crime.