Financial Crime World

Albania’s Organized Crime Situation: Key Issues and Challenges

Introduction

The report on Albania’s organized crime situation highlights several key issues that contribute to the country’s complex and challenging environment. This article will break down these issues into eight main categories, providing an overview of the complexities involved.

Criminal Landscape

  • Albanian organized crime groups are involved in drug trafficking, especially cannabis trade.
  • They interact with South and Central American crime groups and often pose as legal businesses.
  • A strong presence of Albanian organized crime is observed in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK.

State-Embedded Actors

  • Members of criminal groups have been appointed to political positions at various levels of the state apparatus.
  • Infiltration by organized crime into the state is evidenced by bribery and corruption among border police.
  • The private sector, especially real estate and tourism, has links to organized crime.
  • Foreign actors such as Turkish and Italian groups are involved in heroin trafficking and human smuggling.

Leadership and Governance

  • Political polarization and corruption continue to be key issues in the governance of Albania.
  • Criminal influence creates mutual dependence between political parties and criminal groups.

Criminal Justice and Security

  • The justice system lacks independence, efficiency, and professionalism.
  • High levels of corruption and a lack of transparency in many aspects of public and private life are prevalent.

Economic and Financial Environment

  • Albania is vulnerable to money laundering due to weak institutions, a significant informal economy, and corruption.

Civil Society and Social Protection

  • The country lacks an integrated victim support system.
  • Victim and witness assassinations are not unheard of.

Culture of Crime Prevention

  • The culture of crime prevention in Albania is relatively less developed than in other Western Balkan countries.

Conclusion

The report suggests that Albania faces significant challenges in addressing organized crime due to corruption, weak institutions, and a significant informal economy. Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive approach that involves the government, civil society, and international partners working together to strengthen institutions, promote transparency, and support victims of organized crime.