Money Laundering in Albania: A Growing Concern as Criminal Groups Exploit Country’s Borders

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Albania has become a key destination for organized crime groups to launder illegally obtained money and enjoy their criminal proceeds. The country’s porous borders and lack of advanced detection technology have made it an attractive route for criminals looking to stash their illicit gains.

Where is the Money Coming From?

Organized crime groups operating primarily abroad, such as in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are found to launder illegally obtained money in Albania. A significant amount of illegal cash is believed to enter the country in cash, often hidden in passengers’ luggage or transported by individuals known as “mules” who regularly fly into the country with large amounts of money.

The Role of Modern Scanners

To combat this issue, modern scanners have been identified as a crucial tool in detecting prohibited substances, including cash. These scanners can help detect and identify illegal activities, making it easier for well-trained officers to intercept and prevent money laundering operations.

EU-Funded Project: EU4FOCAL

The EU-funded project EU4FOCAL has recently provided Albanian customs with two state-of-the-art scanners and organized training for their operation and image interpretation. The training, led by experts from the Spanish National Police, was conducted at Rina International Airport and involved 15 customs agents responsible for operating the donated equipment. A second phase of training is scheduled for February, aiming to equip another 15 agents with these skills.

Improved Detection Capabilities

The introduction of new imaging technologies has significantly improved the detection of cash and prohibited substances, making it easier for well-trained officers to identify and intercept illegal activities. With Albania’s borders being a key point for money laundering operations, it is crucial that the country strengthens its customs capabilities to combat this growing concern.

Key Takeaways

• Albanian organized crime groups operate primarily abroad but launder illegally obtained money in the country.
• The country’s porous borders and lack of advanced detection technology make it an attractive route for criminals looking to stash their illicit gains.
• Modern scanners have been identified as a crucial tool in detecting prohibited substances, including cash.
• The EU4FOCAL project has provided Albanian customs with state-of-the-art scanners and training to operate and interpret the equipment’s images.
• Strengthening customs capabilities is crucial to combat the growing concern of money laundering operations in Albania.