This study focuses on the organized crime activities in Albania, as well as those conducted by Albanian criminal networks in the region and beyond. The study analyses organized crime activities such as trafficking in persons, illicit drugs and arms, smuggling of migrants, extortion, contract killings, organized cybercrime and money laundering.

Our findings and the opinions of the interviewees suggest that the elements that have stimulated organized crime in the country are of a social, economic and political nature:

• Transition from a totalitarian regime with a stringent policy on crime, to a fragile democracy with weak and unconsolidated institutions, and staff without sufficient education and/or experience;
• Chaotic situation post-1997 with the collapse of the pyramid schemes;
• Institutions that are subject to reform, with staff turnover due to changes in government;
• Lack of institutional independence, and endemic corruption in the police and law-enforcement agencies;
• Albania’s favorable geographical position – with drug-producing and supplier countries such as Afghanistan and Turkey in the East, and high-consumption countries in the West;
• International nature of organized crime and the impact of globalization;
• Lack of political stability in the country for more than two decades;
• Weak economy with high levels of unemployment and insufficient earnings per capita (one of the lowest in
  the continent);
• Dismantling of social structures, adversely affecting the family as the nucleus;
• Continuous immigration waves, importing experiences and criminal connections obtained abroad;
• Support from members of the Albanian diaspora;
• Conflicts in the region, with ‘golden opportunities’ to obtain money from the trafficking of arms, smuggling
  activities, etc;
• Use of technology and advanced communication tools.