Albania steps up fight against organized crime: Minister highlights progress and partnerships

Tirana, June 20, 2024 —Today, Albania's Minister of Interior, Taulant Balla, outlined the country's robust efforts in combating organized crime during a donor coordination meeting. Emphasizing Albania's commitment to law enforcement and crime prevention, Balla provided updates on significant actions taken against criminal organizations in 2023.

Last year, Albania targeted and disrupted operations of 54 criminal groups involved in narcotics, financial crimes, property offenses, and cybercrime. Balla highlighted the deepening cooperation with EUROPOL and INTERPOL, focusing on enhanced information sharing and joint operational initiatives. He noted collaborative efforts led by Albanian authorities alongside EUROPOL's National Contact Point and anti-Falcon task forces.

Throughout 2023, Albania launched 1380 investigations and initiated criminal proceedings in 80 cases with international law enforcement partners. Out of 523 police operations conducted, 107 were conducted jointly with allies from abroad. Balla also underscored the establishment of Albania's Cybercrime Investigation Directorate and a centralized forensic laboratory dedicated to digital evidence analysis.

Minister Balla also lauded Albania's successful collaboration with the United Kingdom, which resulted in a remarkable 90% reduction in illegal Albanian migrants reaching the UK by January 2023.

In his closing remarks, Minister Balla reaffirmed Albania's proactive stance against organized crime and illegal migration, highlighting the country's strengthened international partnerships and operational successes.