Jeton Shasivari in Budva: Crime must not pay, illegally obtained assets must be confiscated

Justice Minister Jeton Shasivari urged concrete results in the fight against corruption and stressed that illegally obtained assets must be confiscated, speaking at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva. He took part in a panel dedicated to anti-corruption efforts.

The Ministry of Justice of North Macedonia reported that Shasivari emphasised the rule of law and the central role of anti-corruption work in preserving democratic stability and public trust in institutions.

Addressing the panel, the minister singled out high‑level corruption cases as a crucial test of the judiciary’s performance and independence. "We are especially focused on effective handling of high‑level corruption cases, as one of the key indicators of the judiciary's effectiveness and its ability to ensure accountability regardless of the perpetrators' position or influence," Shasivari said.

Legislative changes and confiscation measures

Shasivari also outlined planned legislative reforms. The government has prepared a new Criminal Code and a new Law on Criminal Procedure that introduce tougher penalties for corruption offences and strengthen mechanisms for confiscating assets and proceeds obtained through criminal activity.

Summing up his message to the forum, the minister was explicit: "Our goal is clear — crime must not pay, and unlawfully acquired property must not remain in the hands of the perpetrators." He said the reforms and stronger enforcement should translate into concrete convictions and effective recovery of illicit assets.

Photo: press material from the event