Albania’s Role in Global Money Laundering Schemes

Organized Crime Groups Utilize Albania as a Hotspot for Illicit Fund Laundering

Albanian organized crime groups have been operating primarily abroad, with bases in Italy, the UK, and the US. However, these groups have discovered that Albania serves as an ideal location to launder their ill-gotten gains.

Smuggling Cash into the Country

A significant amount of cash is being smuggled into Albania via passengers, often hidden in luggage or transported by individuals known as “mules.” These mules regularly travel on air routes, making it a challenge for customs officials to detect and prevent such smuggling operations.

Methods Used to Smuggle Cash:

• Hidden in luggage
• Transported by individuals known as “mules”
• Utilizing air routes

Modern Scanners Prove Effective in Detecting Illicit Funds

The introduction of modern scanners has been a game-changer in detecting prohibited substances, including cash. These advanced imaging technologies enable trained officers to easily identify and intercept illicit funds when handled by well-trained personnel.

Benefits of Modern Scanners:

• Easy identification of illicit funds
• Effective interception of prohibited substances
• Enhanced capabilities for customs officials

Enhancing Capabilities through Training and Technology

In a bid to enhance its capabilities, Albania’s customs department has received two state-of-the-art scanners courtesy of the EU-funded project EU4FOCAL. A team of experts from the Spanish National Police provided training on the operation and interpretation of images generated by these machines.

Training Session Details:

• Location: Rina International Airport
• Number of agents trained: 15
• Upcoming training session scheduled for February, with another 15 agents to receive instruction

The introduction of modern scanners and enhanced training capabilities will undoubtedly aid in the detection and prevention of smuggling operations in Albania.