The U.S. State Department has released a report on Albania’s fight against drug trafficking and money laundering, highlighting that most illegal activities are linked to drug trade and corruption, according to Gazeta Ekspres.
The report calls for deeper judicial investigations and urges Albania to implement existing laws and expand the capacity of police and prosecutors to focus on corruption, money laundering, and economic crime. It stresses the need to fully carry out judicial reforms initiated in 2016-2017.
The report also evaluates the work of the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK), mentioning investigations against former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and former Environment Minister Lefter Koka.
In October 2023, SPAK announced an investigation into Berisha, who was sanctioned by the U.S. for corruption after his son-in-law received nearly $5 million. That same month, courts convicted Koka for money laundering, corruption, and abuse of office after a company gave him $1.47 million. The report also suggests regulating legislation for microfinance institutions and digital currencies.
