Albania’s Criminal Underworld: A Web of Corruption and Violence

In Albania, criminal networks and mafia-style organizations have infiltrated every level of society, from politics to law enforcement, creating a toxic environment that undermines the rule of law.

The Albanian Mafia

The Albanian mafia is known for its ruthless tactics and ability to influence elections. It has spread its tentacles across Europe, with links to Kosovar and Montenegrin criminal networks. They have also formed alliances with foreign organized crime groups, including the Sicilian mafia and Turkish crime syndicates.

State-Embedded Actors

The report highlights the significant role played by state-embedded actors in Albania’s criminal landscape. Crime group members have been appointed to political positions at various levels within the state apparatus, allowing them to exert influence over law enforcement and the judiciary.

Foreign actors, including Turkish and Italian crime groups, also operate in Albania, but their influence is limited compared to that of domestic groups.
There is evidence that Albanian organized criminals interact with foreign crime groups from Kosovo and Montenegro, as well as South and Central American cartels.

Weak Governance

Albania’s governance structures are weak, with checks and balances on power not always adequately ensured. The country’s legal framework on international judicial cooperation in criminal matters is well established, but enforcement often falls short.

The judiciary is plagued by corruption, and the government’s efforts to implement comprehensive judicial and anti-corruption reforms have been slow and incomplete.
Albania has a high level of polarization, frequent crises, and persistent grand corruption, which hinders its ability to tackle organized crime.

Criminal Justice and Security

Albania’s criminal justice system is beset by problems, including:

A lack of independence and capacity in the judiciary
Corruption that undermines the integrity of the system
Overcrowded and unsanitary detention facilities
Inadequate support and protection for victims of crime
Witnesses have been threatened and intimidated, with many forced to skip court hearings or refrain from testifying

Despite some progress in passing legislation on the status and treatment of victims of crime, challenges persist at the implementation level. Civil society organizations (CSOs) provide much-needed aid to vulnerable groups, but their efforts are often hindered by a lack of government support and resources.

The culture of crime prevention is underdeveloped in Albania, with prevention mechanisms ineffective and lacking creativity.
Additional programs must be established to engage citizens in preventing criminal activity.

Money Laundering

Albania’s economy is vulnerable to money laundering, with many large-scale projects set up as prestigious public-private infrastructure initiatives. The country has approved a new action plan aimed at tackling money laundering, but implementation remains a significant challenge.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey-listed Albania in early 2020 due to its inability to address strategic deficiencies in its anti-money laundering regime.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Albania’s criminal underworld is a complex web of corruption and violence that threatens the stability of the country. To combat this menace, the government must prioritize good governance, strengthen the judiciary, and provide adequate support to victims of crime.