Financial Crime World

Corruption and Crime in Albanian Businesses: Survey Reveals Alarming Trends

A recent survey conducted by UNODC and the Institute of Statistics of Albania (INSTAT) has shed light on the pervasive problem of corruption and crime affecting the business sector in Albania. The findings, which were endorsed by European Union’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance 2011, provide a stark reality check for businesses operating in the country.

Direct Interactions with Public Officials

According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of companies in Albania have direct interactions with public officials, with:

  • 85.1% of respondents reporting at least one contact with a public official or civil servant in the past 12 months.
  • The rate of direct interaction varies across different sectors, ranging from:
    • 75.2% in Manufacturing, Electricity, Gas and Water supply
    • 88.4% in Wholesale trade and Retail trade

Bribery: A Significant Problem

The survey also reveals that bribery is still a significant problem in Albania, with:

  • 15.7% of businesses reporting that they paid a bribe to a public official at least once in the past year.
  • The average frequency of bribe-paying was found to be 4.6 times per business in the past year.

Economic Impact

The survey’s findings are particularly concerning given the significant economic impact corruption can have on businesses and the wider economy. “Corruption is a major obstacle to doing business in Albania,” said [name], UNODC Representative in Albania. “It creates an uneven playing field, undermines trust and confidence, and can lead to economic instability.”

Recommendations

To address these alarming trends, we recommend:

  • Strengthening anti-corruption measures and policies to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate without fear of corruption.
  • Increasing transparency and accountability within public offices and the business sector.
  • Implementing effective mechanisms to prevent and detect corruption, including whistleblower protection and complaint mechanisms.

Conclusion

By shedding light on the extent and severity of corruption in Albania’s business sector, this survey aims to provide a useful tool for policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations to work together towards creating a more transparent and accountable environment.