Online harassment cases surge in Albania, police report
A surge in online harassment and bullying has become a growing concern in Albania, with over 700 cases reported to the police in Tirana last year. The head of the Cybercrime Investigation Section for Tirana told ABC News that while most cases have been resolved, the complexity of international online crimes has made progress in others difficult.
Why is this important: The rapid rise in social media usage has exposed more Albanians to online threats and risks, particularly the youth. However, cyber harassment is no longer limited to specific age groups, prompting authorities to take a more proactive role in raising awareness and improving response mechanisms.
Context: During 2024, police handled more than 700 cybercrime complaints, with over 90 incidents reported in January alone. In comparison, January 2025 saw 35 cases, of which 28 have already been solved. The director explained that many unresolved cases involve offenders operating from international servers, complicating investigations.
“Seventy percent of last year’s cases have been resolved, while the rest remain difficult due to overseas-based offenders,” he said.
Impact on youth: Cyber harassment primarily targets young users, but adults are not exempt. Schools have reported incidents involving in many cases students from families in difficult situation, those with social or economic problems, but also children from stable homes who became entangled through online conflicts.
“We’ve worked with teachers, parents, and school boards to educate children on avoiding bullying and conflicts online,” the director stated.
In cases involving adults, cyber harassment often escalates from personal disputes—former friends, partners, or colleagues—leading to both online and offline confrontations.
What next: The director emphasized the need for collaboration among families, schools, and institutions to address and reduce online harassment effectively. This coordinated effort is seen as crucial for protecting both youth and adults from the risks associated with cybercrime.
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