Financial Crime World

EU-Council of Europe Initiative: Boosting Albanian Prosecutors’ Skills in Financial Crime Investigation

In a collaboration between the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe, the Action against Economic Crime in Albania joined forces with the School of Magistrates in Tirana to conduct a training program focused on “Financial Analytics and Open-Source Investigations.”

Participants and Objectives

A total of 27 prosecutors, investigators, and judicial police officers from Albania’s Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime, General Prosecution Office, and National Bureau of Investigation attended this capacity-building initiative.

The primary objective of the training was to:

  1. Enhance participants’ understanding and skills in:
    • Utilizing advanced financial analysis techniques
    • Open-source intelligence for robust investigations

Expert-Led Sessions and Discussions

Three expert trainers from the Council of Europe shared their extensive knowledge in this field:

  1. International standards
  2. Best practices
  3. Strategies for financial investigations

The trainers emphasized the importance of:

  • Open-source intelligence
  • Alternative sources of information in building a solid case
  • Executing effective financial investigations

Proof and Electronic Evidence

The participants and experts engaged in discussions around:

  1. Direct and indirect methods of proof
  2. Application of electronic evidence to prove financial gain

These topics are essential components when investigating financial crimes.

Valuable Local Insights

The partnership with the School of Magistrates provided valuable local insights into:

  1. Implementation of domestic legislation
  2. Practical challenges faced by Albanian law enforcement agencies
  3. Employing open-source intelligence tools and techniques in their investigations

Adherence to European Norms

The EU-Council of Europe’s Action against Economic Crime in Albania forms part of the Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey II. This joint program aims to help beneficiaries in the Western Balkans region and Turkey:

  1. Adhere to Council of Europe standards
  2. European Union acquis as part of the enlargement process

Strengthening Albania’s Capabilities

This initiative strengthens Albania’s ability to deal with financial crimes effectively, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting the country’s development in line with European norms.