"They buy cocaine in Latin America", SPAK chief: There are 16 high-risk criminal groups, here's where they operate
2025-10-14 17:26:14AktualitetSHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Altin Dumani
The Head of the Special Prosecution Office, Altin Dumani, reported today to MPs on the crime situation in the country for 2024, emphasizing drug trafficking as one of the most dangerous criminal offenses.
According to Dumani, narcotics trafficking maintains a very high level of risk, despite a slight decrease during 2024.
He said this trend is linked to successful law enforcement crackdowns and the shifting of trafficking corridors. However, criminal activity remains widespread and sophisticated.
"Referring to the measurement of the level of risk according to criminal offenses, it results that high-level economic crime represents a high level of risk, with a tendency to sophistication and wide geographical spread. Money laundering and structured criminal groups remain at a high risk level, marking a progressive increase in proceedings, especially in function of activities originating from narcotics trafficking and international activity of criminal groups.
Drug trafficking maintains a very high level of risk, although 2024 has a slight decrease related to successful law enforcement crackdowns and the relocation of trafficking corridors. Meanwhile, human trafficking is classified as medium risk, with a low number of cases, but with growth potential due to the clandestine, transnational nature of the crime.
"Regarding the typology of criminal groups, they continue to be active in relation to drug trafficking, mainly in cocaine and cannabis trafficking ," said Dumani.
Albanian criminal groups continue to be active in cocaine and cannabis trafficking, with operations in several European Union countries such as Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany, as well as in Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
According to Duman's reporting, these groups ensure the purchase of cocaine in production countries in Latin America, including Bolivia, Mexico, Peru and Paraguay.
Dumani added that criminal groups are characterized by a hierarchical structure, the use of encrypted communications, and money laundering through advanced forms, including cryptocurrencies.
During 2024, 16 high-risk criminal groups were identified, 10 of which were proven in court for their criminal character.
"These groups are characterized by a hierarchical structure, the use of encrypted communications, and money laundering. They are active in Tirana, Durrës, Shkodër, Kukës, Lezhë, Elbasan and Vlorë ," said Dumani, among others.
