Serbia authorities say $256 million in property confiscated from organized crime bosses

Serbia confiscates $256 million of crime property

BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia’s justice minister says authorities have confiscated €200 million ($256 million) in property from organized crime bosses since gaining the authority last year.

Snezana Malovic says this includes houses, apartments, land, businesses and luxury cars. She says confiscation has been an “efficient tool” in the fight against organized crime.

Serbia passed a legislation in March 2009 which allowed for the confiscation of property from convicted or suspected criminals if they cannot prove it was obtained legally.

The Balkan country has cracked down on crime as it aims for European Union membership. Crime flourished here during wars and crisis in the 1990s.

Malovic said Thursday the confiscated property will be sold or rented. The money will go to public funds.