Journalist Lavdrim Lita said in an interview for Euronews Albania that the crime in Shkoder is very similar to the Sicilian mafia, it has started to implement the same exact practices. 

Lita also said that the installation of the camera system by criminal groups in Shkoder is a typical mafia method of monitoring the territory.

“The ship also has radars to see the vessels of the Guardia di Financa for the transport of drugs and cigarettes, it is the exact same model. Cameras in Shkoder are also used for security, as they receive fines from businesses in the city. Some of Shkodra’s gangs also act as security and control businesses by collecting fines”, said Lita.

According to him, a mafia process of controlling the territory is starting in Shkoder.

“It has never been like this in Albania before, there has never been this level of structure as it is in Shkoder. Mafia networking is happening and the phenomenon of collecting ‘pizza’, i.e. fines against local businesses that are successful and start making money,” said Lita.