EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ORGANISED
CRIME
Risk Assessment in Albania
Fabian Zhilla
besFort lamallari
FINANCIAL
SUPPORTER
ORDERER
MIDDLEMAN
COORDINATOR
RECEIVER
SUPPORTERS/
PACKAGERS
DEALERS
PROVIDER
WHOLESALER/
MANUFACTURER
MONEY COURIERS
RESPONSIBLE FOR
TRANSPORTATION
COURIERS
: :
ExEcutivE summary - F. Zhilla & B. lamallari : : 1
Acknowledgements
This study was made possible by the fruitful cooperation of civil society organisations and experts that are engaged in
the fight against organised crime. It would not have been possible without the participation of our interviewees, along
with the participants of the focused groups, whom we are unable to mention by name as we wish to maintain their
anonymity due to the sensitive nature of both their involvement and our work. Therefore, the very first words of
gratitude go to them.
Furthermore, this study could not have been conducted without the support of the Open Society Foundation
Albania (OSFA) and especially the Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr Andi Dobrushi, who was and
remains one of the main supporters of the idea and the importance of this study for society.
Special thanks go to those institutions that enabled contact with the officials we were able to interview: Mrs Elona
Gjebrea, (Vice Minister of the Ministry of Interior); Mr Artan Didi (Director General, Directorate General of the
Albanian State Police); Mr Sandër Simoni (President, Serious Crime Court, First Instance); Mr Shkëlqim Hajdari
(Chair, Prosecutors’ Association); Mr Ervin Metalla (Chair, Judges’ Union); and Mr Saimir Visha (Chair, Association
of Criminal Lawyers).
This study would have been incomplete were it not for the contribution of the investigative journalists whose details
may not be found in official documents. The authors would like to thank the staff of the OSFA, in particular the project
coordinator, Ms Brunilda Bakshevani, for their help with the implementation of the project.
The authors wish to thank Ms Orjada Tare for having organised the meetings of the Focused Groups in Tirana, Korça,
Shkodra and Vlora. This publication would not have reached the expected standard without the technical assistance
of and graphs prepared by Mr Henrik Lezi. The authors would also like to thank the editors – Mr Besnik Bakiu
and Ms Nita Shala – for their invaluable comments and constructive approach during the final stage of the draft.
Special thanks also go to the Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT) for the technical contribution they gave to this
study, and, in particular, to the CIT students that helped collect documents in various court houses throughout the
country.
: :
ExEcutivE summary - F. Zhilla & B. lamallari : : 3
1. ExEcutivE summAry
“The Albanian mafia is one of the main international actors. It does not operate solely within Albania, it is mostly active out of the
country, even though money is laundered and invested often in Albania [...] The Albanian mafia is very active at the international
level [...] it has such an ability to connect with the Albanian diaspora throughout the world [...]. If Albania wants to become part of
the European Union, it will have to address these concerns (fight against organized crime and corruption) because the European
Union will not allow Albania to become part of it with so many problems.”
- Drew Sullivan 19/05/2014, Director of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Organization (OCCRP)1
This study focuses on the organised crime activities in Albania, as well as those conducted by Albanian
criminal networks in the region and beyond. The study analyses organised crime activities such as trafficking
in persons, illicit drugs and arms, smuggling of migrants, extortion, contract killings, organised cyber-
crime and money laundering. In some cases, so as to be able to clearly identify them, comparisons were
made between various criminal activities and groups, despite the difficulties encountered with resources
and the method applied. Various sources are used (both primary and secondary), including national official
reports, and European and international agencies fighting organised crime. In addition, 44 interviews were
conducted with experts that have a direct or indirect relation with the fight against organised crime, for
instance, serious crime judges, prosecutors, lawyers, investigative journalists, civil society representatives
and experts of organised cyber-crime. The total duration of recorded interviews is 24 hours and 12 minutes.
TAblE Of InTERvIEwEES
Prosecutors 12
Judges 9
Lawyers 7
Investigative Journalists 6
Police experts 8
Cyber-crime experts 2
Moreover, four focused groups were organised with civil society representatives, students of social sciences,
journalism and law in Tirana, Korça, Vlora and Shkodra. Another focused group with experts in the fight against
organised crime was organised earlier in Tirana. The authors have examined 84 decisions of the First Instance
Court of Serious Crimes. The decisions were selected based on the nature of illegal activities of interest to the study,
the frequency of criminal episodes, the number of defendants and the scope of threat posed by these activities and
their perpetrators. The court decisions are issued in the period 2006-2014 for illegal activities of drug trafficking
(42%), trafficking in arms (18%), human trafficking (17%), smuggling of migrants (9%), extortion (8 %) and cases
tried for creation of and participation in a criminal organisation (6%). Overall, the examined judicial decisions
reach a volume of 3,793 pages.
1. “Shqip” on Top Channel (19/05/2014) http://www.top-channel.tv/artikull.php?id=278271
4 : : OrGaNiSED CrimE - riSk aSSESSmENt iN alBaNia : :
DISTRIBUTION OF EXAMINED JUDICIAL DECISIONS
ACCORDING TO NATURE OF ACTIVITIES (2006-2014)
TRAFFICKING OF
18 ARMS AND MUNITION
CRIMINAL
TRAFFICKING OF
ORGANISATION
HUMAN BEINGS 17
%
%
6%
SMUGGLING
8
9%
%
OF MIGRANTS
EXTORTION
42%
DRUG TRAFFICKING
Our findings and the opinions of the interviewees suggest that the elements that have stimulated organised
crime in the country are of a social, economic and political nature:
● Transition from a totalitarian regime with a stringent policy on crime, to a fragile democracy with
weak and unconsolidated institutions, and staff without sufficient education and/or experience;
● Chaotic situation post-1997 with the collapse of the pyramid schemes;
● Institutions that are subject to reform, with staff turnover due to changes in government;
● Lack of institutional independence, and endemic corruption in the police and law-enforcement
agencies;
● Albania’s favourable geographical position – with drug-producing and supplier countries such as
Afghanistan and Turkey in the East, and high-consumption countries in the West;
● International nature of organised crime and the impact of globalisation;
● Lack of political stability in the country for more than two decades;
● Weak economy with high levels of unemployment and insufficient earnings per capita (one of the
lowest in the continent);
● Dismantling of social structures, adversely affecting the family as the nucleus;
● Continuous immigration waves, importing experiences and criminal connections obtained abroad;
● Support from members of the Albanian diaspora;
● Conflicts in the region, with ‘golden opportunities’ to obtain money from the trafficking of arms,
smuggling activities, etc;
● Use of technology and advanced communication tools.
: :
ExEcutivE summary - F. Zhilla & B. lamallari : : 5
“We, as society, have lost the ability to denounce. Self-censorship is graver than any threats or
intimidation. Nowadays, there is no need for gangs or criminals to exert pressure upon you...you know
the consequences and don’t take the risks. Everyone says, yes we know, here everything is known but no
one speaks up. On the contrary, we are at a phase that consider this as proficiency...yes, ‘he is skilful’
so, this is the attitude.” (Investigative Journalist)
Interviewees/experts have stated that the fight against organised crime is weak on the part of law enforcement
agencies, and the Albanian society is reluctant to report organised-crime activities. This is due to the following:
sociEty rEluctAnt to rEport cAsEs
● Lack of trust in institutions;
● Fear of repercussion/s (the most referred to among interviewees, although it was ranked second in
importance);
● Corruption;
● “Leak of secrets”;
● Lack of effective witness protection;
● Lack of a crime-reporting culture;
● Direct link to individuals involved in organised crime (i.e. friends and family, relations/cousins). This was
the least-mentioned reason.
“What I have noticed since 2011, 2012, 2013, but specially during late 2012 and 2013 is that here is done
little to investigate in order to find organised crime group or a criminal. For them it is enough to arrest
some people near the borders, who for me are simply couriers...they are exploited by traffickers and
the heart remains intact, Organized Crime is not fought.”
(Judge at the First Instance Court for Serious Crimes)
WEAknEssEs in thE fight AgAinst orgAnisEd crimE:
● Unconsolidated institutions and lack of institutional independence;
● Continuous changes of qualified staff with every change of government;
● Weak cooperation and lack of coordination among various agencies;
● Problems with professional capability;
● Problems relating to low remuneration and weak logistics;
● Lack of will, incrimination and corruption of individuals inside law enforcement agencies
6 : : OrGaNiSED CrimE - riSk aSSESSmENt iN alBaNia : :
rEcommEndAtions for A morE EfficiEnt fight AgAinst orgAnisEd crimE
● Undertake a comprehensive reform – not a partial one – of the institutions that have a direct
bearing on the fight against organised crime, including the Judicial Police Service;
● Enhance cooperation among various institutions: State Police, State Intelligence Service, the
General Directorate for the Prevention of Money Laundering, and DGs Customs and Tax;
● Enhance professional capability through training sessions, guaranteeing stability of employment
for specialists/experts, selecting individuals free of any conflict of interest and on the basis of their
own merits, as well as on their moral and social integrity;
● Fight corruption in all segments of the justice system (Prosecution, the courts) and the Police;
● Provide financial support and preferential legal status to bodies fighting organised crime;
● Increase the number of confiscations of illicit assets seized.
● Establish an Investigation Directorate that would be responsible for the quality, depth and
procedural side of investigations, which the experts themselves believe are weak;
● Limit abbreviated trial procedures/adjudications for some serious criminal offences;
● Revise and develop curricula on the fight against organised crime in universities so that the study
of this phenomenon is not simply the prerogative of the Faculty of Law but is included in the
studies of social sciences, economics and IT;
● Improve those parts of the curricula of the School of Magistrates, Police Academy and Military
Academy that cover the fight against organised crime;
● Recruit to the law-enforcement agencies the most capable experts in the areas of criminology, law,
psychology, statistics, IT and forensic science, etc.
● Increase public awareness about the risks of organised crime and the role and responsibility of
each individual in the fight against this phenomenon;
2. thE typology of AlbAniAn orgAnisEd crimE
Between 1990 and 1997 Albania witnessed the emergence of hierarchical criminal structures such as armed
bands, criminal organisations and structured criminal groups. At first, the armed bands appeared in various
parts of the country, bands that were involved in human trafficking, the smuggling of migrants (accentuated
by the self-imposed isolation of the country in the previous decades), kidnappings, extortion, and continuous
rivalry due to the control of groups over particular territories.
Between 1998 and 2004, the scope of their activities expanded, along with the way these groups were organised.
As time went by, the trafficking of Albanian women for the purposes of prostitution decreased, and Albania
transformed itself from a country of origin to a transit country for women solicited in various countries
of Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, the trafficking of drugs and weapons flourished and became the number
one profitable activity for these criminal organisations. In 2004-2005, a period which coincided with the
end of the second stage of the evaluation and adaption of Albanian criminal groups, new forms of criminal
organisations appeared. Certain criminal groups within and outside Albania start interacting in an active and
constant manner in this network of criminals while maintaining the autonomy of the group.
From 2005 onwards, the criminal network was seen as the most widespread and suitable form for criminal
groups to undertake various criminal activities, including the trafficking of various types of drugs, the
: :
ExEcutivE summary - F. Zhilla & B. lamallari : : 7
smuggling of migrants and organised cyber-
crime. However, illegal activities such as the
TRAFFICKING
trafficking of human beings and extortion do not
HOT SPOTS
seem to be carried out as a criminal network.
MALËSI E
MADHE
geographical distribution
TROPOJË
● Experts admit that organised crime
SHKODËR
KUKËS
extends throughout the territory of the
country, thus having a direct or indirect
impact on Albanian society.
● Certain regional characteristics are
KURBIN
DIBËR
noted, with a clear concentration in
BURREL
border areas.
KRUJË
● The most developed areas, such as
DURRËS
TIRANË
Tirana, Durrës and Fier have a higher
rate of criminal activity and a higher
ELBASAN
concentration of perpetrators due
to the concentration of capital and
demographic movements (drugs, light
FIER
weapons and explosives, prostitution
BERAT
KORÇË
MALLAKASTËR
running rings, internal trafficking,
extortion, etc.). The regional distribution
of each activity: arms trafficking in
VLORË
TEPELENË
Shkodër, Kukës and Burrel (Fushë Kruja
GJIROKASTËR
for explosives) due to their proximity
DELVINË
to Montenegro and Kosovo. Drug
trafficking in Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan,
SARANDË
Vlorë, Korçë, and Fier (fiscal evasion,
organised stealing of oil). Smuggling of
HEROINE COCAINE ECSTASY CANNABIS
migrants in Gjirokastër and southern
SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS ARMS TRAFFICKING TRAFFICKING OF HUMAN BEINGS
areas close to Greece, such as Korçë,
ILLEGAL TRADE OF EXPLOSIVES CONTRACT KILLER
Pogradec and Konispol
3. thE risk AssEssmEnt: orgAnisEd crimE in AlbAniA
Albanian criminal groups active in the territory of the Republic of Albania are generally made up of 3-4 members
and include, mostly, the trafficking of narcotics, mainly cannabis. They also traffic other kinds of drugs such as
cocaine and heroin to neighbouring countries, with EU countries being the final destination. Sporadic groups are
involved in arms trafficking across the borders with Montenegro and Kosovo. Extortion cases are of concern as they
are not reported. Neither is the use of explosives, murders by paid assassins or murders for which the perpetrator
is not found, with the aim of eliminating rivals, rebalancing the market, and control of territory. There has been an
increase in conflicts between businesses which in itself has brought about the proliferation of assassinations, i.e.
murders for which paid assassins are used. In addition, the number of murders using remote-controlled devices
8 : : OrGaNiSED CrimE - riSk aSSESSmENt iN alBaNia : :
and ordinary explosives are on the rise. The majority of these murders are believed to take place over territory
and competition. Extortion of businessmen is considered a real concern. Sources confirm that these cases are
never reported to the Police or Prosecution Service due to the lack of trust in the justice system and the potential
of repercussions/consequences. Furthermore, it is believed that organised crime invests in corrupting police
officers and prosecutors. It is notable that the majority of cases that end up in court in the past few years have either
been committed by single individuals, or as mere cooperation. This is a clear indicator of the low number/level
of investigations. The increase in the number of extortion cases (and the fact that most businesses pay up) along
with other powerful criminal organisations and assassins has brought about their sophistication. Experts warn
that harsh confrontations over control of territory and businesses may be allowed to return. In certain cases, this
has already been seen in the form of violent public clashes on the part of criminal organised crime, in particular
in Tirana. In this context, we note efforts to rebalance markets and rivalry in the criminal world. Cooperation
with criminal groups in neighbouring countries, in particular Albanian groups in the EU, has strengthened them
financially and made them more dangerous. The work of law-enforcement agencies is made increasingly difficult
due to the application of the so-called ‘code of silence’, and the use of psychological rather than physical violence,
or ‘partnership with the victims’. Albanian organised crime groups invest in illicit revenue in various areas of the
legal economy, construction, tourism, processing plants and concessions. The large amount of construction work
happening is due to the injection of considerable funds (illicit earnings) in the economy of the country. Albania
offers a favourable terrain for Albanian-speaking criminal rings to move to Albania from abroad.
Furthermore, there is a risk of members of organised criminal rings taking revenge on prosecutors, judges and
police officers, who had ensured that the criminals got 25 years’ imprisonment, but the sentences were later
reduced by a third due to summary trial (Article 403-406 of the Albanian Criminal Procedure Court) – some of
these criminals are expected to get out as early as 2017.
DRUG TRAFFICKING
A TYPICAL SCHEME
1
2
8
DRUG COURIERS
FINANCIAL
SUPPORTER
11
ORDERER
RESPONSIBLE FOR
TRANSPORTATION
3
OF DRUGS
7
4
DRUG DEALER
10
COURIER OF THE
MONEY 'MULE'
6
9
MIDDLEMAN
5
RESPONSIBLE FOR
DRUG DISTRIBUTION/
DEALERS
DRUG PROVIDER
SUPPORTERS/PACKAGERS
DRUG RECEIVER
COORDINATOR
DRUG MANUFACTURER/
WHOLESALER
DEAL
PROVISION OF DRUGS (MANUFACTURERS/WHOLESALERS)
TRANSPORT OF DRUGS
DISTRIBUTION/RETAIL SALES
Figure 1
: :
ExEcutivE summary - F. Zhilla & B. lamallari : : 9
3.1 risk assessment for each organised criminal activity
3.1.1 Powerful drugs (heroin and cocaine)
The way heroin and cocaine are trafficked in Albania is very similar. It is done by sea, road or air, primarily
through conventional means of transport. There are at least three types of groups involved in trafficking hard
drugs. The first group includes those that were involved from the outset in the trafficking of human beings and, as
such, already have contacts with organised crime in the EU. The second group is made up of Albanian criminals
recruited by organised crime in Eastern Europe (some of whom they got to know during their spell/s in prison),
who subsequently made contacts locally or regionally through ‘The Balkan Route’. The third group is made up
of local groups led primarily by Albanians who have been involved in crime and have established contacts there.
Organised crime groups dealing with the trafficking of hard drugs are more sophisticated and are thought to have
established strong links with individuals within law enforcement agencies, the political elite and the judiciary.
3.1.2 Cannabis and synthetic drugs
Cannabis is primarily trafficked to Greece via the green border or by hiding it in trucks going through the Kapshtica
or Kakavija Border Crossing points. Amounts of cannabis are also hidden in private vehicles or international
transport lorries and trafficked to Italy either via ferry boat or the road system through Montenegro. There is
an increasing trend of trafficking cannabis through Montenegro and Kosovo to Central and Western European
countries. Other types of drugs are also produced and trafficked, such as marijuana, hashish oil, ‘chocolate’ and
‘skunk’, which is a hybrid between Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. These are used for sale but also in
exchange for strong drugs. Although official statistics on the number of cannabis users are lacking in Albania, the
number is believed to be high. The use of this drug is considered to be the first step towards the use of stronger
drugs. Albania has reported the presence of synthetic drugs, although not in considerable amounts. Despite the
lack of an internal market, amounts of amphetamine and ecstasy have been brought into the country from Serbia
and Bulgaria. According to some reports, 15-18-year-olds have experimented with ecstasy secured in Tirana (see
Map 1).
EUROPE
HEROINE
HASHISH OIL
CANNABIS
FROM THE NETHERLANDS
COCAINE
ARMS AND MUNITION
TRAFFICKING OF HUMAN BEINGS
MONTENEGRO
KOSOVO
ITALY
TURKEY
ALBANIA
GREECE
FROM SPAIN
TRAFFICKING
ROUTES
FROM MOROCCO
Harta 1
10 : : OrGaNiSED CrimE - riSk aSSESSmENt iN alBaNia : :
3.1.3 Trafficking of human beings
TAblE Of TRAffICkIng In PERSOnS (2005-2014)
At the end of the 1990s, Albania was considered a ‘hot
Nr. of
Nr. of criminal
Nr. of
spot’ for the trafficking of human beings. Although
Year
victims
(VoT)
proceedings
convictions
there are no accurate figures as to the exact number of
2005
274
51
54
Albanian victims trafficked abroad, it is reported that
2006
227
62
57
many women and children were trafficked to Italy,
2007
20
49
7
Greece and other EU Member States. In addition,
2008
108
22
26
the country was used as a transit location for females
2009
94
31
11
2010
97
29
11
of other nationalities who were sold, exchanged and
2011
84
27
5
trafficked by sea to Italy. The present situation with
2012
92
11
2
trafficking is different. Albania is no longer a transit
2013
95
24
2
country but remains a country of origin, albeit not
2014
60
7
10
at the levels of the past. When compared to the total
Total
1151
313
185
population numbers in the country, the number of
Source: Trafficking in Persons Report (2005-2014),
US. Department of State
victims exploited within the country is a cause for
gRAPh Of ThE TREnDS In ThE nUmbER Of TRAffICkIng
concern. Females from various parts of the country
vICTImS In AlbAnIA In ThE lAST TEn yEARS
are exploited sexually in premises such as villas,
apartments, hotels, motels, etc. There are also reports
2005
of exploitation for prostitution of young girls known as
2006
2007
‘luxury prostitutes’.
2008
The sexual exploitation and forced labour of women and
2009
minors rises during the summer season in coastal areas.
2010
The situation of street children who are exploited for
2011
begging purposes, and are considered potential victims
2012
2013
of trafficking, is of great concern.
2014
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
3.1.4 Smuggling of migrants
The preferred destinations of clandestine migrants from Albania at present are the United Kingdom (UK) and the
United States (US). Unfortunately, there has been loss of life in the past year during migrants’ attempts to reach
the UK. Albania is being used by international smuggling networks as a transit country for nationals from Syria,
Sudan, Congo and other countries. Entry into the territory of Albania is done mainly through the southern border
of the country but also through Rinas International Airport. In some cases, this illicit activity has been facilitated
by corrupt officials at border crossing points.
3.1.5 Trafficking of weapons
At present, the trafficking of weapons from, through and into Albania is rendered by criminal groups of 4 to
6 members each. Albania is a country of origin for Kalashnikovs, munitions and explosives. Machine guns,
Kalashnikovs, composite parts and munitions go to Montenegro, Kosovo and Italy. They also reach Austria, Germany
and Nordic countries, etc. through the various bus routes between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Weapons and
parts of weapons are concealed in private vehicles on board ferries to Italy. Kalashnikovs and handguns (pistols)
which pass in transit through Albania are trafficked to Greece through the green border and border crossing
points. Arms traffickers use haulage/transport companies for their own purposes by bribing and/or coercing the
drivers. Handguns (pistols) and semi-automatic guns are trafficked into the country from Montenegro and Kosovo.
: :
ExEcutivE summary - F. Zhilla & B. lamallari : : 11
The postal service is used for the
trafficking of weapons and their
WEAPONS
TRAFFICKING
parts from far-off lands. The
regions that are most affected by
LEGAL SUPPLY
DEVIATION/TRAFFICKING
ILLEGAL MARKET
trafficking and the illicit trade of
(BLACK MARKET)
weapons are border areas such as
SUPPLIER/STATE
ORGANISED CRIME
Shkodra, Kukës and the port city of
BROKER
LOST
GROUPS
REBELS
STOLEN
Durrës, along with the capital. The
TRADER
WARRIORS
TRANSPORTED ILLEGALLY
FIRST OWNER
TERRORISTS
area of Fushë-Kruja also seems to
REASSEMBLED/
UNLAWFUL HOLDERS
REACTIVATED
SECOND OWNER
be problematic in the illicit trading
of explosives.
3.1.6 Extortion
Figure 2
Extortion is not widespread in terms
of numbers but it is nonetheless
PREDATORY EXTORTION
highly advanced. The forms used
seem to be ever more sophisticated.
BAIT
There are two categories of criminal
groups using extortion in Albania
– unorganised small groups and
VICTIM
well-organised groups. The most
ORGANISER
widespread is the predator scheme
(see Figure 3), although there are
criminal groups that go for the more
sophisticated form of extortion
ASSISTANTS
which is the ‘symbiotic’ form (see
Figure 4) in some of the main cities
Figure 3
in the country, Tirana in particular.
There is an increasing trend
towards extortion on the part of
SYMBIOTIC EXTORTION IN BUSINESS
criminal groups against businesses,
ASSISTANTS
but these are not so evident as they
are not reported to the authorities.
Links have been noted between
EXTORTIONIST
criminal groups and powerful
businesses for the purposes of illicit
gain. Businesses blackmail their
competitors in exchange for money
VICTIM/
COMPETING
BUSINESS B
or the involvement of criminal
ORDERER
COMPETING
BUSINESS A
organisations in their businesses.
There has been an increase in
extortion by groups of minors who
Figure 4
copycat similar forms used by adult criminal groups. An increase in online extortion has been noted, in particular
among youngsters.
12 : : OrGaNiSED CrimE - riSk aSSESSmENt iN alBaNia : :
3.1.7 Contracted killers
2003-2014
Since 2011, there has been a
PROFESSIONAL KILLER
SUPPORTER
sophistication of paid assassins.
The most problematic category is
that of ‘professional killers’ (see
LOOKOUT
Figure 5). This category of assassins
is gradually taking on the organised
KILLER 1
VICTIM 1
form of criminal networks, in which
ORDERER (S)
KILLER 2
the role of middleman seem to be
the most organised. There has been
MIDDLEMAN
an increase in cooperation between
LOOKOUT
VICTIM 2
businesses and paid assassins who
SUPPORTER
are used for security by businesses
Figure 5
or in order to eliminate their
competitors.
There are two types of professional killers: mobile ones, in other words individuals who are resident in an EU
country, and resident killers, those who have returned to Albania. What has been noted recently is that criminal
groups are recruiting teenagers whom they are grooming to commit murder, and this seems to be a new approach.
The youngsters recruited come from families with a criminal past, or young offenders serving a term for offences
such as stealing or pick-pocketing/burglary. The latter make contact with known criminals in prison, who are then
used for threats.
3.1.8 Cyber organised crime
ONLINE
Cyber organised crime is becoming
SWARM
increasingly sophisticated, although
organised structures are not very
clear. Albanian criminal groups are
flexible and they can move from
one type of crime to another with
MEMBERS
ease depending on the criminal
activity (see Figures 6 and 7). There
VICTIM
is a trend towards small groups
getting together based on contacts
made primarily online but also
through friends. They are made up
Figure 6
of members coming from large and
small cities with a mix of online and offline activities (see Figure 8). Members of these groups are aged 18-35. A
characteristic of the groups is that they set up close contacts with hackers in the region, in particular Kosovan ones.
Albanian hackers have become members of forums/blogs, administered by international criminal groups, and
may be subcontracted for criminal activities against banks or public institutions. There is a risk that international
criminal groups that distribute pornographic material of minors online may contract paedophiles resident in
Albania to produce pornographic material with Albanian minors.
: :
ExEcutivE summary - F. Zhilla & B. lamallari : : 13
3.1.9 Money laundering
ONLINE
Money laundering is closely linked
CENTRIFUGAL
to organised crime. It has infiltrated
and influenced the economic,
political and social life of the country.
The main areas where money of
criminal origin is invested are the
CENTRIFUGE
construction industry, modern
processing plants, the gaming
VICTIM
industry, mines, energy production,
MEMBERS
the oil industry (fuels), and tourist/
travel agencies, as well as in licences
and concessions from the state. The
Figure 7
most typical ways of presenting
ONLINE & OFFLINE
‘dirty money’ in the legal economy
STRUCTURED HYBRIDS
are through multiple transactions
in secondary-level or high street
CELL 2
banks, loans from these institutions,
VICTIM 2
transfers through money transfer
agencies and through the use of
the identity of family members and
friends. In 2014, the value of seized
VICTIM 1
assets from organised crime groups
and criminals was over 10 million
CELL 1
euros. The main concern is the
low number of confiscations and
Figure 8
the revocation by higher courts of
decisions in favour of confiscation,
MONEY LAUNDERING
A TYPICAL SCHEME
along with the low number of
sanctions for this offence. The more
powerful organised crime groups
become through money laundering,
the more crime is generated, with
TRANSFERS
more illicit earnings, corruption and
2
LAYERING
impunity.
1
PLACEMENT
INTEGRATION
3
Figure 9
14 : : OrGaNiSED CrimE - riSk aSSESSmENt iN alBaNia : :
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ORGANISED
CRIME
Risk Assessment in Albania
FINANCIAL
SUPPORTER
ORDERER
MIDDLEMAN
COORDINATOR
RECEIVER
SUPPORTERS/
PACKAGERS
DEALERS
PROVIDER
WHOLESALER/
MANUFACTURER
MONEY COURIERS
RESPONSIBLE FOR
TRANSPORTATION
COURIERS
16 : : OrGaNiSED CrimE - riSk aSSESSmENt iN alBaNia : :