Combating Corruption and Financial Crime (CCFC)


Combating Corruption and Financial Crime (CCFC) project will help Kosovo  reduce corruption by supporting prevention and enforcement bodies in identifying and mitigating corruption risks, effectively sanctioning violations, and recovering stolen assets. Fighting corruption is a priority for the Government of Kosovo. As many corruption cases involve cross-border dimensions, this project also leverages Switzerland’s interest in blocking illicit financial flows.  

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Kosovo
Governance
nothemedefined
Anti-corruption organisations
01.05.2026 - 31.12.2029
CHF  1’720’000
Background Kosovo has made some progress in the fight against corruption; however,  these  efforts remain in the early stages of development. The current  anti-corruption  laws and institutional framework are adequate, but the practical application of the laws needs to be strengthened. Accountability and efficiency of judges and prosecutors in handling corruption cases need to be improved. Procurement-related corruption is often associated with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). However,  there is political will to fight corruption in Kosovo, and citizens have a  high interest in the topic. Fighting corruption also remains central to the process of EU accession. 
Objectives Reduce  corruption  through  enhancing  inter-agency cooperation to effectively detect, sanction corruption and financial crime and retrieve stolen assets through applying a Risk Based Approach. 
Target groups The anti-corruption preventive, oversight, intelligence and investigative bodies such as the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (APC), Asset Recovery Office (ARO), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Anti-Fraud Unit (AFU) and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). It will also involve civil society organizations (CSOs) and all citizens will benefit from less corruption. 
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1:  Corruption prevention bodies have effectively identified corruption  risks and implemented risk-based mitigation measures. 

Outcome 2: Corruption and fraud risks in key sectors are effectively detected, analyzed, and acted upon through coordinated, risk-based oversight and enforcement. 

Outcome 3: Financial crime proceeds are consistently detected, traced, and recovered through the systematic application of intelligence-led investigations by repression bodies. 

Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1 Sectoral corruption risk assessments of the most vulnerable sectors - specifically construction/real estate, public procurement, health, and education- completed, including the integration of gender-sensitive recommendations 

Output 2.3 Anti-Fraud Unit reports submitted to law enforcement agencies on  the four sectors (public procurement, construction, health, education) 

Output 3.1 ARO asset recovery cases developed through case mentoring support. 


Results from previous phases:   Switzerland has laid the groundwork for combating corruption in Kosovo by  establishing new legislation, strengthening institutional capacities and  structures, and increasing citizen awareness. Kosovo has established asset  recovery and the money laundering institutions and improved results in high-level corruption convictions. However, there is a lack of risk-based approaches  to sectoral corruption. Capacity of anti-corruption institutions to proactively identify threats and the use of an inter-institutional approach to combat financial crime remains undeveloped. The novel and important tool of extended powers of confiscation is not being used systematically. 


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
Private sector
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • Swiss Private Sector
  • United Nations Development Programme


Coordination with other projects and actors The project is co-funded by the SDC and the Swedish International  Development Cooperation Agency. Coordination will be ensured with the EU Office in Prishtina, and synergies will be pursued with the SDC Civil Society for Democracy project (CSD), the Council of Europe, and projects funded by the UK and GIZ. 
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’720’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    801’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   5’000’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.05.2026 - 31.12.2029   (Current phase)