SPAK destroyed some important organized crime organizations
The US State Department, Department for Bureau on International Narcotics and Law Implementation issues today published the report of the International Narcotics Control Strategy. The report in the report states that operations often supported by US and EU advisers led to the destruction of some important international organizations and drug trafficking in 2024.
The report reflects the work of the special structure of the Prosecutor's Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), stressing that this prosecutor seized and confiscated important assets, including real estate, vehicles, businesses and dry money. « In one example, the SPAK and the Albanian State Police co-ordinated with Eurojust, Europol and other authorities targeting a group of organized crime led by Albanians trafficking cocaine and clearing income through companies supplying false bills worth about $ 400 million. and other assets worth $ 65 million, ”the report said.
There is also a reflection of the veterinary results. The report also points out that Albania continues to make progress in improving its regime against money laundering and fighting terrorism (AML/CFT). At this point, the report also includes the establishment of the new Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anti -Corruption that has published a strategy to improve integrity in vulnerable sectors and prevent corruption in public administration.
The report states that the government and institutions must fully implement reforms to avoid the fall of the rule of law again. « Law enforcement agencies use an anti-mafia law to seize the assets related to drug trafficking and corruption. In May 2024, the Minister of Interior announced the creation of the asset recovery office. This office will prioritize tracking and seizure of asset and funds from criminal activities, » the report said.
The anti -corruption strategy, the report continues, requires protection for signagers and better legal frameworks to address corruption, lobbying and financing political parties. Focusing again on SPAK's work, the report underlines that the SPAK increased the number and complexity of money laundering and seizures and conducted in parallel financial investigations and assets when it suspected illegal assets; However, prosecutions remain low.
« In 2023, the SPAK seized assets worth $ 43 million and, in 2024, continued arrests and confiscation of the assets of former senior officials. In September 2024, the SPAK accused the former prime minister and determined under the » State Department of Budget Act, Operations and External Operations, 2021 » (c) Sali Berisha for official actions for the benefit of his family's interests.
Following the recommendations, the report says that Albania should enforce existing laws, pursue regulatory guidelines, carry out effective supervision, improve law enforcement cooperation, and expand the capacity of police and prosecutors to focus on corruption, money laundering and complex economic crimes. « Albania must fully implement the reforms of the Criminal Code of 2016 and 2017, » the report concludes.
