Title: Albanian Prosecutors and Investigators Enhance Financial Crime Investigation Skills
Training Organized by the Action against Economic Crime in Albania
Tirana, Albania - 27 prosecutors, investigators, and judicial police officers from Albania’s Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Special Prosecution Office, General Prosecution Office, and National Bureau of Investigation gathered for a two-day training aimed at enhancing their capabilities in financial crime investigations. The training was organized by Action against Economic Crime in Albania, a joint initiative of the European Union (EU) and Council of Europe.
Focus on Financial Analytics and Open-Source Investigations
The training, which took place on 17-18 November 2022, was held in collaboration with the School of Magistrate in Albania. The main topics covered were:
- Financial analytics
- Open-source investigations
Council of Europe experts led the training sessions, sharing international standards and best practices in financial investigation planning, implementation, and human rights considerations. They emphasized the crucial role of open-source information in building intelligent leads and supporting robust financial investigations.
Indirect and Direct Methods of Proof and Use of Electronic Evidence
Additionally, the training addressed:
- Indirect and direct methods of proof
- The use of electronic evidence to establish financial gain in investigations - a critical element of financial crime probes
The School of Magistrate provided local insights, offering context on the implementation of Albanian legislation and real-world challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in implementing open-source intelligence tools and techniques for financial crime investigations.
Action Against Economic Crime in Albania: A European Union and Council of Europe Initiative
Led by the Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey II, a joint program of the EU and Council of Europe, the Action against Economic Crime in Albania aims to help Albanian institutions comply with Council of Europe standards and European Union acquis in the context of the EU enlargement process.
Commitment to Fighting Economic Crime and Improving the Justice Sector
Over the past few years, Albania has made significant strides in fighting economic crime and improving its justice sector. The training is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing its institutional capacities in the fight against economic crime.