Albania intensifies crackdown on organized crime with record extraditions and arrests
Albania’s Police achieved significant progress in its campaign against organized crime in the first seven months of this year, according to the General Directorate of State Police. The published data reveals that 58 individuals were extradited to Albania, including 53 Albanian nationals and 5 foreign nationals. Additionally, 80 arrests were made with the intent of extradition to Albania, comprising 74 Albanian citizens and 6 foreigners.
Why is this important
These statistics underscore the Albanian government’s commitment to intensifying its fight against organized crime. The majority of those extradited have been convicted or are facing serious charges such as murder, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and involvement in organized criminal groups operating within Albania and, in some instances, as part of international criminal networks. Notably, among those extradited are two individuals who were brought from Dubai, United Arab Emirates—a country with which Albania does not have an extradition agreement.
Context
These achievements are the result of robust cooperation with international partner agencies and various law enforcement bodies. This collaboration has enabled the arrest of individuals involved in some of the most severe criminal activities in recent years. The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime has issued decisions to impose pre-trial detention on these suspects, further illustrating the intensified judicial measures against organized crime.
The involvement of Dubai has been particularly significant. Since the establishment of the Special Structure Against Organized Crime and Corruption, many high-profile criminals had relocated to Dubai to evade justice. The successful extraditions from Dubai demonstrate the effectiveness of newly established mechanisms between the two countries, unsettling previously untouchable figures in the criminal world.
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