Using confiscated assets from organised crime for social purposes and regional development: a comparative study of Lecco and Bari

The confiscation of assets or property derived from criminal activity refers to their permanent deprivation as part of a court order or administrative procedure, resulting in their ownership being transferred to the state.

This may be considered the best way to counteract mafias, particularly where it involves using confiscated assets for the benefit of society and regions affected by organised crime.

The adoption of Italian Law 109/1996 was a significant breakthrough in this regard,
as it provided an innovative solution to the long‐standing issue of how confiscated assets should be used.