The Special Prosecution of Kosovo has confirmed that it has formally requested Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) to launch investigations into the possible assets of 89 Kosovo citizens in Albania, amid suspicions that these assets may originate from criminal proceeds.
In a statement to the online newspaper Reporteri.net, the Special Prosecution said it has submitted a request for international legal assistance to the judicial authorities of the Republic of Albania, seeking support in identifying assets belonging to suspects currently under investigation.
“Regarding the matter you have inquired about, the Special Prosecution confirms that it has submitted a request for international legal assistance to the justice authorities of the Republic of Albania, seeking assistance in identifying assets of defendants who are subjects of investigation,” the prosecution stated.
The request submitted by the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo has been approved by Albania’s Special Court, granting SPAK the authority to conduct investigations on behalf of the Kosovo side.
According to reports by Albanian media outlet A2 CNN, SPAK is investigating 31 individuals suspected of being part of a criminal group involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. The suspects were identified through communications obtained from the encrypted application SKY ECC, based on data provided by Belgian and French judicial authorities.
In addition to these individuals, the investigation also extends to the assets of 58 other persons, mainly family members, in whose names illegal assets may have been registered.
As part of the request from Kosovo’s justice authorities, SPAK will trace not only potential real estate assets in Albania but also examine whether bank accounts have been opened in second-tier banks within the country.
