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Tackling Financial Crime in Albania: A New Era of Transparency and Accountability
Albania, long plagued by high levels of corruption at all levels of society, has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to combat financial crime with the establishment of the Special Anti-Corruption Body (Spak). This newly-formed agency is tasked with tackling corruption and organized crime at the highest levels of government and society.
Establishment and Structure
As part of Albania’s judicial reform, adopted by parliament in 2016, Spak was established to fight corruption. The head prosecutor, Altin Dumani, took office in December 2022, but work had already begun before his arrival. In the three years to May 2023, Spak has confiscated assets and cash worth over £100 million.
Track Record
The agency has established a track record in charging influential individuals for abusing their public office and participating in corruption. Its latest investigation resulted in several ministry of health officials, including the deputy minister, being charged with alleged misuse of funds to buy medical equipment. High-profile cases include:
- Former attorney general Adriatik Llalla, who received two years in prison for hiding his wealth
- Former minister of interior Saimir Tahiri, who received three years and four months in prison for abuses of power
Ongoing Challenges
Despite progress, Albania remains one of the most corrupt states in Europe, ranking 112th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. To continue tackling this issue, Spak will require ongoing support from both domestic institutions and the international community.
International Cooperation
Joint investigations with other European countries have been conducted, including:
- Six investigations with Italy
- One investigation with the UK
However, more needs to be done to combat corruption, particularly in areas such as politics, healthcare, education, police services, and civil services.
EU and US Support
The EU has identified corruption as a key area for reform, and Spak’s recent record of charging public officials with corruption has led to the official launch of membership talks between the EU and Albania. The US and UK have also taken measures to highlight corruption in Albania, including:
- Sanctions
- Travel bans for high- level officials
Collective Effort Needed
Tackling corruption alone is not enough; it requires a collective effort from all public institutions, the media, and citizens to acknowledge the harm it causes to the country’s future, driving young people abroad. For Albania to genuinely improve its society and economy, decrease migration, attract foreign investment, and accelerate integration into the EU, it must develop a strategy that effectively controls corruption.
Lessons Learned
There is no country that has completely eradicated corruption, but those that have kept it under control have been able to maintain public institutions’ independence and efficiency. This must be the aim for both Albanian politicians and society.