Albania Turns to Financial Crime Data Analytics Tools to Boost Investigations
Strengthening the Fight Against Financial Crimes
In a significant effort to enhance its capabilities against financial crimes, Albania has embarked on a major initiative to equip its prosecutors and investigators with cutting-edge data analytics tools. This joint project between the European Union and Council of Europe’s Action against Economic Crime in Albania, in collaboration with the School of Magistrates in Albania, aims to advance the skills of Albanian law enforcement officials in financial crime data analysis.
Training Program for Prosecutors and Investigators
The training program brought together 27 prosecutors, investigators, and judicial police officers from the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime, General Prosecution Office, and National Bureau of Investigation. The experts shared their insights on international standards and good practices in financial crime investigations, emphasizing the importance of:
- Planning
- Building an investigation strategy
- Prioritizing the use of appropriate investigation techniques
Role of Open-Source Information and Electronic Evidence
The training also explored the role of open-source information and other sources in developing intelligence to support effective financial investigations. Participants discussed:
- Direct and indirect methods of proof
- The use of electronic evidence to prove financial gain, a crucial component of financial crime investigations
Collaboration with the School of Magistrates
The co-operation with the School of Magistrates provided valuable local insights on the implementation of domestic legislation and practical challenges faced by Albanian law enforcement agencies in using open-source intelligence tools and techniques for effective investigation of financial crimes.
Background: “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey II”
The Action against Economic Crime in Albania is part of the “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey II”, a joint program of the European Union and Council of Europe, aimed at assisting beneficiaries in the Western Balkans region and Turkey to comply with Council of Europe standards and European Union acquis in the framework of the enlargement process.