Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has published its 2025 annual report, highlighting significant progress in the fight against organized crime, high-level corruption, and money laundering. The report includes data on investigations, court proceedings, asset confiscations, and international cooperation.

Crime Situation

During 2025, SPAK investigated a total of 871 criminal proceedings, marking a 4.9% increase compared with 2024. Of these, 294 were new cases, while 577 were carried over from the previous year. Investigations focused mainly on more complex cases, with a 13.5% increase in the number of individuals involved.

In the field of organized crime, the value of seized assets reached €42.4 million, while confiscated assets amounted to about €1.8 million. A notable increase was also recorded in investigations of high-level officials, with more than 50% of the investigated individuals sent to court, and 10 of them receiving final convictions.

Trafficking and Homicides

The report highlights coordinated actions against drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and illegal migration. Joint Investigation Teams, active in several European countries, held 16 coordination meetings in 2025 and carried out successful operations, including the arrest of 11 Albanian nationals for the production and distribution of drugs.

In the area of homicide investigations, SPAK and the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) intensified their work by using digital and financial investigative methods, focusing particularly on structured criminal groups.

Money Laundering

During 2025, the total value of assets seized and confiscated by SPAK reached around €45.4 million, including cryptocurrencies. Financial investigations significantly improved the identification of money-laundering networks and their international connections.

SPAK’s Effectiveness

The report indicates increased effectiveness across all stages:

• 37% of new investigations were initiated proactively by SPAK.
• The number of cases completed in court and security measures applied has been optimized, with a greater focus on alternative measures and reduced pre-trial detention.
• Coordination with international institutions such as Europol, Eurojust, and U.S. authorities has intensified.

Recommendations and Challenges

SPAK identifies key challenges in investigating organized crime and corruption involving high-level officials, as well as legal uncertainties regarding the status of prosecutors after the end of their mandates. The report stresses the need to improve cooperation with public institutions and to strengthen the Case Management System in order to ensure more effective handling of criminal cases.