The Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has published its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting major developments in the fight against organized crime, corruption, and financial crimes.

Wiretapping and Criminal Investigations

In 2024, SPAK conducted 163 criminal proceedings using wiretapping methods, during which 3,096 communication devices (mostly phones belonging to suspects) were intercepted.

Asset Seizures and Confiscations

A major achievement noted in the report is the seizure and confiscation of assets worth approximately €65.5 million, broken down as follows:

€28.7 million in seized assets

€36.8 million in confiscated assets

These include properties, vehicles, bank accounts, and other high-value items linked to criminal activity.

Fight Against Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking

SPAK identified 16 high-risk criminal groups, often connected through family and friendship ties, and involved in international criminal markets, especially cocaine trafficking.

These groups operate in multiple Albanian cities, including:

• Tirana
• Durrës
• Shkodër
• Kukës
• Lezhë
• Elbasan
• Vlorë

SPAK successfully prosecuted 10 of these criminal organizations in 2024, proving their involvement in coordinated criminal activities across different regions.

Out of all individuals under investigation for organized crime, 34% have been sent to trial, while 70.3% of cases remain under investigation.

Breakdown of case statuses:

• 4.9% transferred
• 3% dismissed
• 5.6% suspended
• 70.3% ongoing into 2025

Albanian Crime Groups in International Markets

The report emphasizes that Albanian criminal groups continue to play a major role in:

• Drug trafficking
• Human smuggling
• Cybercrime
• Drug Trafficking
• In 2024, SPAK registered:
• 35 new drug trafficking cases involving 35 suspects
• A total of 124 active investigations related to drug offenses
• 5 cases sent to court, involving 33 defendants
• High-Level Corruption
• SPAK investigated 33 former high-ranking officials in 2024. Of these:
• 19 were sent to trial, accounting for 52.9% of the cases

The cases involved:

Public tender manipulation

Violation of procedures

Money laundering through sophisticated financial schemes

Challenges: External Pressure and Institutional Support

SPAK highlighted that one of its biggest challenges remains the external pressure from organized crime, political actors, and media influence, which threatens its constitutional independence and effectiveness in investigations.

The report calls for stronger institutional support to safeguard SPAK’s autonomy and to support prosecutors handling sensitive cases.