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Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. See our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. See our Privacy Policy and User Agreement for details. SlideShare Explore Search You. Submit Search. Home Explore. Successfully reported this slideshow. We use your LinkedIn profile and activity data to personalize ads and to show you more relevant ads. You can change your ad preferences anytime. AOC Threat Assessment. Upcoming SlideShare. Like this document? Why not share! Embed Size px. Start on. Show related SlideShares at end. WordPress Shortcode. Like Liked. Fabian Zhilla. Full Name Comment goes here. Are you sure you want to Yes No. Be the first to like this. No Downloads. Views Total views. Actions Shares. No notes for slide. AOC Threat Assessment 1. It would not have been possible without the participation of our interviewees, along with the participants of the focused groups, whom we are unable to mention by name as we wish to maintain their anonymity due to the sensitive nature of both their involvement and our work. Therefore, the very first words of gratitude go to them. Furthermore, this study could not have been conducted without the support of the Open Society Foundation Albania OSFA and especially the Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr Andi Dobrushi, who was and remains one of the main supporters of the idea and the importance of this study for society. This study would have been incomplete were it not for the contribution of the investigative journalists whose details may not be found in official documents. Brunilda Bakshevani, for their help with the implementation of the project. The authors wish to thank Ms. This publication would not have reached the expected standard without the technical assistance of and graphs prepared by Mr. Henrik Lezi. The authors would also like to thank the editors — Mr. Besnik Bakiu and Ms. Nita Shala — for their invaluable comments and constructive approach during the final stage of the draft. Special thanks also go to the Canadian Institute of Technology CIT for the technical contribution they gave to this study, and, in particular, to the CIT students that helped collect documents in various court houses throughout the country. Albanian criminal groups in European Union countries Albanian criminal groups withinthe country Synthetic drugs Trafficking in human beings Smuggling of migrants Trafficking of arms Contract killings Money laundering The study analyses organized crime activities such as trafficking in persons, illicit drugs and arms, smuggling of migrants, extortion, contract killings, organized cybercrime and money laundering. In some cases, so as to be able to clearly identify them, comparisons were made between various criminal activities and groups, despite the difficulties encountered with resources and the method applied. Vari- ous sources are used both primary and secondary , including national official reports, and European and inter- national agencies fighting organized crime. In addition, 44 interviews were conducted with experts that have a direct or indirect relation with the fight against organized crime, for instance, serious crime judges, prosecutors, lawyers, investigative journalists, civil society representatives and experts of organized cyber-crime. The total duration of recorded interviews is 24 hours and 12 minutes. The reasons behind the weaknesses of law enforcement agencies in the fight against organized crime are vari- ous and include weak cooperation and lack of coordination among various agencies, unconsolidated institutions and lack of institutional independence, continuous changes of qualified staff with every change of government, problems with professional capability, problems relating to low remuneration and weak logistics, as well as lack of will, incrimination and corruption of individuals inside law enforcement agencies the most mentioned are the state police, border police and judicial police, the later being under double dependency: administrative de- pendence the police and procedural dependence on the prosecution office. The least mentioned reason was the direct link to individuals involved in organised crime i. Typology of Albanian organized Crime Between and Albania witnessed the emergence of hierarchical criminal structures such as armed bands, 1 criminal organizations2 and structured criminal groups. Between and , the scope of their activities expanded, along with the way these groups were organized. As time went by, the trafficking of Albanian women for the purposes of prostitution decreased, and Albania transformed itself from a country of origin to a transit country for women solicited in various countries of Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, the trafficking of drugs and weapons flourished and became the number one profitable activity for these criminal organizations. In , a period which coincided with the end of the second stage of the evaluation and adaption of Albanian criminal groups, new forms of crimi- nal organizations appeared. Certain criminal groups within and outside Albania start interacting in an active and constant manner in this network of criminals while maintaining the autonomy of the group. However, illegal activities such as the trafficking of human beings and extortion do not seem to be carried out as a criminal network. Geographical distribution of organized criminal activities Experts admit that organized crime extends throughout the territory of the country, thus having a direct or indirect impact on Albanian society. Certain regional characteristics are noted, with a clear concentration in border areas. The regional distribution of each 1. The armed gang is a special form of cooperation that, with the possession of weapons, combat munitions and other necessary tools, seeks to commit criminal offenses. The criminal organization is the highest form of cooperation, which consists of three or more persons and stands out for the special degree of organization, structuring, sustainability, longevity, and the intent to commit one or more criminal offenses in order to realize material and non-material profits. The structured criminal group is a special form of cooperation, which consists of three or more persons for the commission of one or more criminal offenses, in order to realize material and non-material profits. Threat assessment of organized crime in Albania Albanian criminal groups active in the territory of the Republic of Albania are generally made up of members and include, mostly, the trafficking of narcotics, mainly cannabis. They also traffic other kinds of drugs such as cocaine and heroin to neighboring countries, with EU countries being the final destination. Sporadic groups are involved in arms trafficking across the borders with Montenegro and Kosovo. Extortion cases are of concern as they are not reported. Neither is the use of explosives, murders by paid assassins or murders for which the perpetrator is not found, with the aim of eliminating rivals, rebalancing the market, and control of territory. There has been an increase in conflicts between businesses which in itself has brought about the proliferation of assassinations, i. In addition, the number of murders using remote-controlled devices and ordinary explosives are on the rise. The majority of these murders are believed to take place over territory and competition. Extortion of businessmen is considered a real concern. Furthermore, it is believed that organized crime invests in corrupting police officers and prosecutors. It is notable that the majority of cases that end up in court in the past few years have either been committed by single individuals, or as mere cooperation. The increase in the number of extortion cases and the fact that most businesses pay up along with other powerful criminal organizations and assassins has brought about their sophistication. Experts warn that harsh con- frontations over control of territory and businesses may be allowed to return. In certain cases, this has already been seen in the form of violent public clashes on the part of criminal organized crime, in particular in Tirana. In this context, we note efforts to rebalance markets and rivalry in the criminal world. Cooperation with criminal groups in neighboring countries, in particular Albanian groups in the EU, has strengthened them financially and made them more dangerous. Threat assessment for each organized criminal activity Hard drugs heroin and cocaine The way heroin and cocaine are trafficked in Albania is very similar. It is done by sea, road or air, primarily through conventional means of transport. There are at least three types of groups involved in trafficking hard drugs. The first group includes those that were involved from the outset in the trafficking of human beings and, as such, already have contacts with organized crime in the EU. The third group is made up of local groups led primarily by Albanians who have been involved in crime and have established contacts there. Organized crime groups dealing with the trafficking of hard drugs are more sophisticated and are thought to have established strong links with individuals within law enforcement agencies, the political elite and the judiciary. Amounts of cannabis are also hidden in private vehicles or international trans- port lorries and trafficked to Italy either via ferry boat or the road system through Montenegro. There is an increas- ing trend of trafficking cannabis through Montenegro and Kosovo to Central and Western European countries. These are used for sale but also in exchange for strong drugs. Although official statistics on the number of cannabis users are lacking in Albania, the number is believed to be high. The use of this drug is considered to be the first step towards the use of stronger drugs. Albania has report- ed the presence of synthetic drugs, although not in considerable amounts. Despite the lack of an internal market, amounts of amphetamine and ecstasy have been brought into the country from Serbia and Bulgaria. According to some reports, year-olds have experimented with ecstasy secured in Tirana. Although there are no accurate figures as to the exact number of Albanian victims trafficked abroad, it is reported that many wom- en and children were trafficked to Italy, Greece and other EU Member States. In addition, the country was used as a transit location for females of other nationalities who were sold, exchanged and trafficked by sea to Italy. The present situation with trafficking is different. Albania is no longer a transit country but remains a country of origin, albeit not at the levels of the past. When compared to the total population numbers in the country, the number of victims exploited within the country is a cause for concern. Females from various parts of the country are exploited sexually in premises such as villas, apartments, hotels, motels, etc. The sexual exploitation and forced labor of women and minors rises during the summer season in coastal areas. The situation of street children who are exploited for begging purposes, and are considered potential victims of trafficking, is of great concern. Albania is being used by international smuggling networks as a transit country for nationals from Syria, Sudan, Congo and other countries. Entry into the territory of Albania is done mainly through the southern border of the country but also through Rinas International Airport. In some cases, this illicit activity has been facilitated by corrupt officials at border crossing points. Trafficking of arms At present, the trafficking of weapons from, through and into Albania is rendered by criminal groups of 4 to 6 mem- bers each. Albania is a country of origin for Kalashnikovs, munitions and explosives. Machine guns, Kalashnikovs, composite parts and munitions go to Montenegro, Kosovo and Italy. They also reach Austria, Germany and Nordic countries, etc. Weapons and parts of weapons are concealed in private vehicles on board ferries to Italy. Kalashnikovs and handguns pistols which pass in transit through Albania are trafficked to Greece through the green border and border crossing points. Arms traf- Handguns pistols and semi-automatic guns are trafficked into the country from Montenegro and Kosovo. The postal service is used for the trafficking of weapons and their parts from far-off lands. Extortion Extortion is not widespread in terms of numbers but it is nonetheless highly advanced. The forms used seem to be ever more sophisticated. There are two categories of criminal groups using extortion in Albania — unorganized small groups and well-organized groups. There is an increasing trend towards extortion on the part of criminal groups against businesses, but these are not so evident as they are not reported to the authorities. Links have been noted between criminal groups and powerful businesses for the purposes of illicit gain. Businesses blackmail their com- petitors in exchange for money or the involvement of criminal organizations in their businesses. There has been an increase in extortion by groups of minors who copycat similar forms used by adult criminal groups. An increase in online extortion has been noted, in particular among youngsters. Contract killings Since , there has been a sophistication of paid assassins. This category of assassins is gradually taking on the organized form of criminal networks, in which the role of middleman seem to be the most organized. There has been an increase in cooperation between businesses and paid assassins who are used for security by businesses or in order to eliminate their competitors. There are two types of professional killers: mobile ones, in other words individuals who are resident in an EU country, and resi- dent killers, those who have returned to Albania. What has been noted recently is that criminal groups are recruit- ing teenagers whom they are grooming to commit murder, and this seems to be a new approach. The latter make contact with known criminals in prison, who are then used for threats and killings. Organized cybercrime Cyber organized crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, although organized structures are not very clear. Albanian criminal groups are flexible and they can move from one type of crime to another with ease depending on the criminal activity. There is a trend towards small groups getting together based on contacts made primarily online but also through friends. They are made up of members coming from large and small cities with a mix of online and offline activities. Members of these groups are aged A characteristic of the groups is that they set up close contacts with hackers in the region, in particular Kosovan ones. There is a risk that international criminal groups that distribute pornographic material of minors online may contract pedophiles resident in Albania to produce pornographic material with Albanian minors. It has infiltrated and influenced the economic, political and social life of the country. In , the value of seized assets from organized crime groups and criminals was over 10 million euros. The main concern is the low number of confiscations and the revocation by higher courts of decisions in favor of confiscation, along with the low number of sanctions for this offence. The more power- ful organized crime groups become through money laundering, the more crime is generated, with more illicit earnings, corruption and impunity. Lamallari : : 13 Methodology of the study This research explores the phenomenon of organized crime in Albania in order to achieve a better understand- ing of its nature and an assessment of the threat it poses. This information may be useful for improving policies that address the problem, the work of law enforcement agencies, and efforts of other researchers in this area. From a structural standpoint, this study was organized by referring to the analysis of criminal activities in par- ticular. From a structural standpoint, the research study was organized by referring to the analysis of criminal activities in particular. This form was pursued to preserve the features that characterize re- search studies on organized crime threat assessment in almost all countries. On the other hand, state institutions responsible for organized crime threat assessment are more familiar to this type of analytical structure. Refer- ring to international and national reports, only the most serious and problematic illegal activities of Albanian organized crime have been reviewed. However, compared to the SOCTA format, which is more schematic, this research study has an exploring, de- scriptive and analytical approach to the phenomenon of organized crime. This approach was followed in order to make the study more user friendly not only for law enforcement agencies, but also for the broader public and particularly civil society, academics researchers, students of law and social sciences as well as investigative jour- nalists. In this context, the study uses a standard language that can be understood easily by all groups of interest. Previous studies of organized crime note the methodological difficulties and challenges related to the study of this phenomenon. Fear from the power of such criminal organizations limits the number of participants in the research study interviewees , their freedom of expression, but at the same time also seriously jeopardizes the researchers of this phenome- non. These methods enable a direct and enhanced approach to issues with high sensitivity and scarcely researched. On the other hand, these methods have an exploring na- ture, thus allowing for analysis to consider social or cultural factors. Nevertheless, one of the limitations of these methods, in the context of this research, is that the limited number of interviews does not allow for predictions to rely on an extended sample of participants, as would be the case with quantitative data. Read introduction by Paoli, L. Based on the literature review, the questions directed at in- terviewees were divided into three groups: 1 general questions about the nature, factors and features that characterize Albanian organized crime; 2 specific questions related to every criminal activity; and 3 questions about recommendations that interviewees offer for a more effective fight against organized crime. One of the issues related to the use of semi-structured interviews in studying sensitive issues, such as organized crime, is the guarantee that is provided to interviewees in order for information as well as their identity remain confi- dential. This was also noticed in this study. In order to protect the integrity of interviewees and researchers, participants in the study were asked that during the interview to not mention names of persons who have not been made public by the me- dia, who are not sentenced by court ruling and who are still under investigation. The decisions of this court were selected because criminological data needed for this report are more evident in the Court of First Instance rather than that of the Appeal, which mainly focuses on the interpretation of the law. From a methodological standpoint research design , the study was divided into two phases: 1 preliminary research phase and 2 the phase of analyzing organized crime by focusing on specific criminal activities. Initially, during the preliminary phase, we reviewed the literature, and national and international reports on Albanian organized crime. The literature review helped provide a general outline of the phenomenon, estab- lish the main research question and its sub-questions, as well as the theoretical framework related to expla- nations as well as definition of terms e. The literature review helped to have a general overview also about forms of Albanian organized crime, the criminal activities they are most involved in and their modus operandi. However, it should be noted that there is very little research about the activity of Albanian organized crime in Albania and most of literature relies on data about the criminal activity of Albanian groups in the EU. Therefore, upon literature review, at this phase, a pilot focus group was con- ducted with experts in the area, such as serious crimes prosecutors and judges, investigative reporters, as well as experienced criminal defense layers. This focus group guided the study toward a general geography of the criminal activities of organized crime in Albania. This focus group also helped to outline the contours of organized group structures, thus providing a general idea of every criminal activity in particular, the definitions of this research study. During the second phase analytical phase , we probed both criminal activities and organizational structures of criminal groups, along which these activities are conducted. Then, factors and tendencies of operational forms of criminal groups for each criminal activity were also analyzed. As mentioned above, three primary re- sources were used. The first source was semi-structured expert interviews. The sample selected for interviews was diverse and this selection was done in order to cover as broader overview of the issues, subject of this research, as possible. In order to avoid bias in the selection of the sample, interviewees were selected relying on referrals made by colleagues, based on their experience in the fight against organized crime snowballing 9. Lamallari : : 15 method. This provided an overview of the phenomenon on national scale. The collection of primary data began in May through the conduct of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and continued until November We conducted a total of 44 interviews. Of all interviewees, 9 were female. Most of the interviews were recorded in an audio format, upon prior consent of the interviewees. As 10 interviewees chose to not be recorded, we decided to take down notes for these cases. The length of audio recordings is 24 hours and 12 minutes. Only the researchers had the right to make use of the audio recordings, the transcripts of those and the coded list of resources. In order to guarantee the confidentiality of resources, each of the participants was assigned a special code, used to make reference to or quote their responses. Discussions with colleagues who were not directly involved in the research were also part of the research work. The second primary resources were focused groups, which sought to solicit and include community views in the analysis of this research study. Focus groups mainly helped to understand the social-political factors that enable organized crime to develop in the society and the reasons for the failure to report crime in the community. The third and very important primary resources were court decisions. For this study, we analyzed 84 decisions of the Serious Crimes Court of First Instance on activities of organized crime. The decisions were selected on the basis of the nature of illegal activities of interest for the research, the frequency of criminal episodes, the number of defendants and the threat posed. In total, the decisions had 3, pages. Another important resource in the study of organized crime consisted of media sources. These sources helped not only with data lacking in court rulings, but also with updating information. To this end, we conducted the control, preservation and analysis of broadcast and print media reports on events related to the object of the study and that took place mainly during the period — In the end, prior to publication, the study was subjected to the academic and technical recension of Mr. Besnik Bakiu10 and Ms. Nita Shala. The study suffers from the lack of research about organized crime in Albania. Furthermore, the sensitive character of the subject of this study at times harmed the completeness of information provided and in certain Besnik Bakiu is an expert in the area of security. He has held senior positions and conducted different duties in law enforcement agencies. He is the author of several research studies in the area of security and the fight against criminality, as well as a co-author in 4 publications on different aspects of security. He holds a PhD in law. Her research interests cover guarantees for non-recurrence of serious human rights violations. In his opinion, Albanian organized crime falls under two profiles: 1 organized crime with a low criminal profile which includes criminal groups that deal only with genuine criminal activities and 2 high profile organized crime. It should be noted that today, Albanian organized crime falls between these two profiles. Cross-sector strategy of the fight against organized crime, illegal trafficking and terrorism, and the Action Plan for , approved by CMD No. As a result, various assessments of the degree and nature of this highly dangerous sort of criminality have been based on personal perceptions and opinions. Nevertheless, relying on various and seri- ous sources of information, this research study provides reliable data that enable the outline of a general overview of organized crime in the country, the conduct of constructive debate about it, and the improvement and drafting of fruitful policies for preventing and fighting it. This research aims also to encourage other researchers to elab- orate further this much debated topic, in spite of the marked absence of empirical research. The structure of the research study is organized in four main chapters. The beginning of the research study Chapter 1 provides a general overview of the different factors that have favored and encouraged the appearance and development of organized crime in the country. The second chapter focuses on an analysis of the typology of Albanian criminal organizations, making a distinction between Albanian criminal groups present in European Union countries and criminal groups within the territory of the Republic of Albania. The third chapter contains all organized criminal activities reviewed. To make it easier, the chapter has been divided into eight separate sec- tions, by kind of reviewed criminal activity. Namely, the first section of chapter three looks at the nature and level of drug trafficking in Albania, with a special focus on heroin, cocaine, cannabis and synthetic drugs. Trafficking in human beings and smuggling of migrants have been analyzed in the second and third sections of the chapter. The fourth section takes an intensive look at information collected about trafficking of arms and ammunition from, through and to Albania. A profound and schematic explanation of the organized criminal forms of extor- tion is presented in the fifth section. The recent problems with contract killings are reviewed in the sixth section. The seventh section of the research focuses on organized cybercrime. The last section looks at the activity of laundering illicit incomes from organized criminal activities. The final chapter four of the research study re- flects the conclusions of the study and presents some specific recommendations that seek to achieve proper and concrete results in addressing organized crime in the country, relying on collected information, analyses of the above issues, and concrete proposals put forward by the interviewed experts. The appearance and evolution of organized crime in the country has been encouraged and favored by factors of a social, political and economic character. On the other hand, the level of spread and development of this kind of criminality has been determined by the level of institutional and social reaction to it. According to interviewed experts, various factors have influenced the appearance of early forms of illicit activities, criminal organizations, their development and sophistication to the present day. Thus, the beginnings of organized crime in Albania were noticed during the transition from a totalitarian system to the pluralistic one. The transition from a system of total control by the state, with very harsh criminal policy, toward a fragile democratic system was accompanied by weak institutions, with employees lacking adequate education and experience. The situation created during and the social and financial consequences caused by the collapse of the pyramid schemes were another key moment in the creation of favorable conditions for the development of organized crime in the country. On the other hand, the weakness of justice and police bodies, Lamallari : : 19 caught by corruption and political interference or control led to impunity of the exponents of the organized crime world. Combined with the lack of political stability for over two decades in the country, this situation created the space and practical opportunities for the interaction, appearance, and involvement of organized crime in politics. Furthermore, the economic crisis, accompanied by high levels of unemployment and a high degree of informal- ity favored the opportunities for recruitment by criminal organizations and their investments in the legitimate economy. The disintegration of traditional social structures, such as the family and community, has facilitated the direct or indirect involvement in organized and profitable criminal activities. Another important factor that has made Albania an attractive country for organized crime is the geographic position between producing countries of hard drugs in the East, such as Afghanistan and Turkey, and consum- ing countries in the West, such as EU member countries. In this regard, members of the Albanian diaspora in EU countries, who have encountered difficulties with social and cultural integration in the receiving country, have been considered a contingent with minimal costs for devel- oping organized crime inside and outside the country. The extensive use of technology and developed means of communication has facilitated and helped the modernization of organized crime. Moreover, organized crime has acquired international dimensions as a result of globalization and, as any other affected country, Albania has been no exception. Asked about the results of Albanian law enforcement agencies in preventing and fighting organized crime, as well as the reasons that may have weakened the efficiency of their work, experts who participated in the research study mentioned as most important the low level of cooperation and coordination of work among different agen- cies, the lack of consolidation of institutions that always undergo reforms among qualified staff every time gov- ernments change, issues of a professional character, but also poor financial treatment both in terms of wages and available infrastructure and logistics. Corruption of certain officials, failure to punish them and the lack of will to fulfill concrete responsibilities have been mentioned by most of the interviewees as a really troubling problem. According to interviewees, corruption appears disturbing in institutions that have the primary contact with crim- inality in general, and organized crime in particular. Nevertheless, corruption is considered a disturbing problem also in the ranks of the judiciary, which is proven by the fact that no judge has ever been convicted for the criminal offence of passive corruption until the time of the conduct of interviews. We would like to note that the judges were initially dismissed for disciplinary violations and not for the criminal offense of passive corruption, which is punishable by imprisonment. Other reasons that weaken the efficiency of the work of law enforcement agencies, and therefore the achievement of concrete results in the fight against organized crime are the lack of merit-based appointments and promotions, whereby nepotistic and political interferences The first case of the sentencing of a judge for this criminal offense was on December 18, interviews were completed at the end of November The lack of statistics and a database is also considered a significant deficiency. With regard to the reaction of the Albanian society toward organized crime, and precisely the reasons that make it hesitate to report and collaborate closely with law enforcement authorities, the interviewed experts admit that the lack of trust in institutions and fear from retaliation undermine satisfactory results that would come from a relationship of trust and cooperation. Fear from retaliation by criminal groups and their members is ranked second by most of the respondents. This fear is related to the fact that Albania is a small territory where people may easily know one another, and therefore it is not difficult to realize who is reporting and collaborating with law enforcement bodies. Moreover, experience with dangerous and notorious gangs and organizations in the past has not yet faded away from collective memory. However, hesitation and the poor level of cooperation with the public are also explained by the lack of a culture of reporting wrongdoing. It is also argued that the low number of denunciations may be explained by the inability of citizens to distinguish organized crime from street crime, which has a more direct and tangible impact on their daily lives. The least mentioned reason by interviewees in this regard has to do with the indirect ties with persons involved in organized crime i. Albanian criminal groups in European Union countries Different perceptions exist on the nature, structure, interaction and other characteristics of Albanian organized crime groups. Considering the diffuse nature of organized crime, both inside and outside the territory of the Republic of Albania, there is a need to make a distinction between criminal groups consisting of Albanian cit- izens who operate in different European Union countries and criminal groups that are active inside the coun- try. These homogenous groups, with a hierarchical structure, group discipline and solidarity, displayed their abilities and efficiency in the activities they were involved in, such as drug trafficking, exploitation of prostitution, smuggling of migrants and all types of crimes against property. Whereas their involvement in trafficking of various drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, cannabis and synthetic drugs leads to This is how Europol refers to criminal groups active in EU countries with members of Albanian nationality. See annual Europol reports for organized crime risk assessment in the European Union. Europol 8 Europol 5 Ibid, 9 The disproportionate element of violence, present as their modus operandi, is so notable that a series of countries, such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, France, Por- tugal, Greece, and Lithuania have consistently reported excessive violence by ethnic Albanian organized crime groups against victims of trafficking. Albanian criminal groups within the country This section focuses on studying the typology of criminal structures that remain and operate for the most partin Albania, in spite of their continuous cooperation and interaction with Albanian-speaking criminal groups oper- ating in European Union countries. Their typology includes the structure of the group, acquaintances, and ties between members, average number of members, the presence or not of criminal records, level of armaments, use of violence, international cooperation, average age of members, education level, civil status, presence and role of women inside the groups, as well as their ways of communication. For this purpose, we studied 84 deci- sions of the First Instance Court for Serious Crimes, with a total of defendants, adjudicated during the peri- od for the criminal offences of creation of and participation in structured criminal groups, trafficking in persons, narcotics, arms and munitions, assistance for illegal border crossing smuggling of migrants , as well as extortion through coercion or violence to obtain assets. Also, we asked 44 participants in this research study about the profile of organized criminal groups active in the country. The participants were judges and prosecutors of serious crimes and 8 judicial districts, lawyers, police experts, and investigative journalists. Initially, armed gangs appeared in different districts of Albania, involved in trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants favored by the longtime isolation of the country, abductions, extortion, and continuous rivalry for control of territory. This form of criminal organization and the fight for control of territory continued until after , but then faded. This does not mean that the power of armed Europol 20 Europol 10 Ibid, 33 Europol 39 UNODC Europol, 8 Lamallari : : 23 gangs weakened, but that they evolved into new forms of criminal organizations of an entrepreneurial and profit-making character. Structured criminal groups, and one or two criminal organizations, appeared and began to operate throughout the territory. Thus, in , there were about 60 criminal groups in Albania, which counted a total of members. These groups consisted of members. Over time, trafficking of Albanian women and girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation saw a decrease. From a country of origin, Albania was becoming a transit country for women recruited from Eastern European countries. On the other hand, trafficking of drugs and arms flourished, turning into the most lucrativeactivity for these crim- inal organizations. Trafficking in arms reached a climax during the conflict in Kosovo and the rebellion in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in , whereby Albanian organized criminal groups trafficked arms looted from armament depots in in Albania. In some groups, one could notice family and in-law relations. In general, the groups did not organize in a vertical fashion, although one could notice some kind of parity between founders and the first per- sons involved in the group. Among the collaborators there were organizers, exe- cuters and assistants for committing criminal offences, which were premeditated and very well planned. The level of armaments was very sophisticated and the degree of violence and retaliation very high. Nevertheless, the court did not agree that there was a clear platform of criminal activity with rules and hierarchy among collabo- rators. Europol: Certain criminal groups, inside and outside of Albania, began to interact actively and continually in the form of criminal networks, while preserving group autonomy. Each of these groups and their members take upon themselves certain duties and responsibilities, without being under the guidance, control or obligation to obey the authority of a certain person. Concretely, someone carries out the finding of the drugs inside or outside the country and its transportation to a certain city, another takes upon himself the weighing, division, pressing or mixing and packaging the narcotic substance, and a third person secures the finding of Albanian or foreign transporters and the arrival of the drugs to the receivers. The latter may be collaborators of the ordering group, or even contacted by persons resident in Albania. As soon as the drugs arrive in destination, it is brought out of the hidden spots of the vehicle following the instructions giv- en by telephone in a coded manner, the amount and quality is checked and in the end, it is passed on to dealers of different nationalities. When the drugs are of poor quality and are not taken fast by the market, the orderers complain to the senders and negotiate a price reduction or conduct its return. Participants in the criminal ac- tivity, which often take place in several phases, are also the money and drug couriers, who may be secured on a case-by-case basis and are not necessarily members of any of the groups. In general, the couriers are vulnerable persons, such as unemployed youth or elderly, divorced women with children, etc. The money for the purchase of the drugs may be sent by transfer agencies, but also in cash through money couriers. When transported in cash, as in the case of transport of amounts of drugs, it is preferred that they are divided into certain parts for two or more couriers. This dissemination avoids the possibility of complete loss of the amount of drugs or money, in case of detention and arrest of the courier by the police. For greater security, transporters are given addresses, contacts, and pertinent instructions in a fragmented and progressive manner. Such a structure, organized in the form of a criminal group, is considered by law enforcement experts to be efficient, flexible, harder to discover and attack, thus ensuring longer continuity of criminal activity. The lack of a leader or clear hierarchy not only ensures the longevity of the group and the continuity of its activity, but is also seen as an easily acceptable and liked way by Albanians, who stand out for a sense of protagonism and insubordination. Simply put, everyone knows whom to call, where to knock to find what he needs. The organization of a criminal syndicate is not very different from the organization of a commercial company that acts in a certain market. It tries to optimize and maximize its profit and adjusts to the way the market works. Criminal networks are created and act on the basis of pragmatic interests of the moment of the involved groups. Interview with judges codes 29, 35, 37 prosecutor code 27 and lawyer code 3 , May-July, Interview with prosecutor code 29 and judges codes 32, 37 , June-July Lamallari : : 25 At present, the criminal network appears as the most appropriate and widespread form for the realization of different criminal undertakings. These include the trafficking of different types of drugs, arms, and munitions, migrant smuggling and organized cybercrime. However, illicit activities such as trafficking in human beings or extortions fines do not appear to be conducted in the form of criminal networks. Concretely, trafficking in per- sons, whether domestic or external, is conducted through the collaboration of two or three persons. Extortions fines appear to be conducted in the form of structured criminal groups. According to Europol and experts who participated in the research study, there is also another form of criminal undertaking. One notices family ties, clan or in-law ties among certain members within the group, but not enough for these groups to be consid- ered homogenous and clan-based. Over time, the dynamics of criminal activity necessitates the creation of new ties, even with foreign citizens. Members of different networks have come to know one another also while serv- ing sentences for previous criminal activities. Number of members The number of members of a criminal network consisting of two or three special groups with members is es- timated to be on average persons. Criminal organizations have also counted more members e. A look at reviewed judicial rulings indicates that groups involved in drug trafficking and smuggling of migrants have the largest number of members, with 5 up to 10 members. Groups involved in trafficking of arms have on average 4 to 6 collaborators. Contract killings and trafficking in persons have the smallest number of collaborators, ranging from 1 to 3 persons. Age With regard to the average age of persons involved in organized crime, it appears to be years old, at the time when criminal offences are committed. With regard to the type of criminal activity, one notices a relatively older age of persons involved in trafficking ofarms and munitions, estimated at years old. The youngest ages are present at the basic levels of trafficking of narcotics transporters and dealers , as well recruiters of trafficking victims. Based on the review of the judicial rulings by the First Instance Court for Serious Crimes, it results that the majority of indicted persons accused of creating, leading, and participating in a criminal organization in Al- bania, around the years , were born in the s. One particular tendency is noticed in drug trafficking, whereby transporters of narcotic substances are elderly persons of over 60 years, who are exploited by criminal networks because of their vulnerability and in order to lower the vigilance and suspicions of the police. We emphasize that a considerable part of those indicted and taken before the court have not been in key roles, but have served as drug or money couriers and- drug dealers, and come from vulnerable situations of unemployment and difficult economic conditions. Interviewees confirm the above and add that those with criminal precedents are usually in leading roles. Also, the majority of interviewees report that in recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of persons with higher education and involved in organized crime. However, they add that this increase may be formal and has been seen with the liberalization of higher education in Albania. Armaments Organized criminal groups possess personal arms for self-protection, assault, and elimination of opponents, as well as for exercising psychological pressure. Also, arms may be used for profit e. Compared to the past, when armed gangs, criminal organizations and groups were heavily armed and did not hesitate to use them, at present, persons involved in criminal activities possess arms, but not of a high caliber. Usually, arms are discovered and seized at the time of arrest of the persons in question, during their physical search and the search of their vehicles or homes. Aggressiveness Unlike the public displays of extreme violence and bloody confrontations in the past between organized criminal groups in Albania, at present, we do not notice a high level of use of violence by criminal groups. Although there have been cases of the use of arms by members of criminal groups, mainly against border police in the south of the country, these are considered sporadic and may not be generalized. Interview with prosecutors codes 22, 28 and judges codes 31, 35 , June Interview with judge code 35 , June Interview with judges codes 31, 34 and prosecutors codes 22, 24 , June Lamallari : : 27 that include sharing profits and giving gifts to them. In cases of the systematic use of violence, trafficking victims have tried to escape exploiters by coming into contact with police and reporting traffickers, in spite of fear, threats, and real danger for their lives. This explains the fact why Albanian-speaking organized crime groups in the EU are considered excessively violent and competitive in reports of the European police agency Europol. In spite of the nature of Camorra groups to not allow room for other groups, Albanian groups managed to attain some kind of autonomy in managing trafficking of drugs, exploitation of prostitution and the black market for their compatriots in Italy. In certain activities, for instance trafficking in human beings and exploitation of prostitution, Albanian gangs collaborated closely also with groups of countries where victims were recruited, such as the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Lithuania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania, etc. Interview with judge code 31 , June Interview with prosecutor code 28 , June Interview with journalist code 17 , October Europol 41 Europol 22 Interview with prosecutor code 29 , June Europol 38 Europol 15 This is seen clearly in the majority of decisions issued by the Serious Crimes Court in Tirana. Furthermore, domestic groups collaborate closely with Montenegrin, Bosnian, Serb, and Macedonian groups, without any obstacles due to geopolitical conflicts that have characterized the history of the Balkan region. The review of decisions ruled during — by the First Instance Court for Serious Crimes, shows a tendency to involve a growing number of foreign citizens — such as Italians, Greeks, Bosnians, Croats, and other European nationalities — in the transport of narcotics from and through Albania, on behalf of Albanian organized crime groups. This tendency may be related to the economic crisis that has affected these countries, which is reflected in the vulnerable situation of convicted persons, the ma- jority of which are unemployed and owe debts in their countries. From a review of decisions issued by the Serious Crimes Court for on illegal activities that are the subject of this research study, it results that out of a total number of defendants, 16 of them were women 4. In trafficking in human beings, women are present in the role of responsible persons and instructors of recruited victims. They play these roles because of previous experiences as victims of trafficking, sex workers, or close ties with traffickers. Some of them engage directly in finding clients. Leaving aside drug trafficking, which represents the largest number of offences sent to court, the highest number of women involved in organized crime is seen in extortions fines. Their role in this activity has to do with seducing the person who will be extorted and exploiting the preliminary information that she may have due to previous relations with him. Ways of communication Communications between members of the same criminal group and groups within a network are of research and practical interest. Information about the language used, the dialect, the coded manner and tools used for commu- nication between them, is secured from the wiretapping of communications by investigative bodies. With regard to the tools and platforms of communications, Albanian organized crime groups use phonecalls and messages through mobile phones, communications through the Skype platform,55 social networks and e-mail. Social networks are also being Interview with prosecutor code 22 , June Europol 45 Interview with police experts codes 10, 11 Lamallari : : 29 used by victims themselves, pushed by traffickers, to recruit other friends or girls. However, when it comes to making exchanges and there is more activity, the ones who are the more important ones try to interrupt the communication. Or, after getting to know one another and creating ties, they make their deals in meetings. There are cases also when they are not so qualified and are more relaxed and speak in concrete terms… X person wants this much or they present elements of the product to advertise it. Those who have been convicted for such activity are more reserved. It is also noticed that these persons possess several phone numbers at the same time and change them often. Their phone numbers are usually registered in the name of close or third persons. Often times, the coded language they use is so complicated that third persons might find it illogical and meaning- less. However, they manage to understand one another just fine. Naturally, different groups use preset codes un- derstandable only to members within the group or among other collaborating groups within the criminal network. It: Back door and connect the wires well? Alb: Yes, and install a good radio… It: Are you done? Alb: Number of seat is twenty… twenty two … forty days… It: Good you thought of it. Alb: I was there and the room number was twenty… It: Yes, number twenty. Alb: Are you done? Yeah, there, those bays, the little bays there, did you find sand? Interview with a police expert code 21 Every group and member has responsibilities for specific tasks in securing the narcotic substance, transporting, receiving, and distribut- ing it in the retail market. Interview with judge code 36 , June Drug trafficking Drug trafficking by Albanian criminal groups has increased significantly since There are about persons convicted by the Serious Crimes Court of First Instance during the period Moreover, the increase in drug trafficking leads as a re- sult to more criminality in the country and corruption among law enforcement agencies. Turkish organized criminal groups, in collaboration with Alba- nian criminal groups, carry out its transportation to Albania through Macedonia, to then continue to Italy by sea and by land in Greece, and to the Northern Balkans. The final destination of heroin remains Central and Western Europe and Nordic countries. UNODC, Department of State. You just clipped your first slide! 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