“The recommendation concerning terrorism has been applied in 102 proceedings, with one case of terrorism financing sent to trial. This progress was made possible by ramping up money laundering investigations and enhancing collaboration with Moneyval and Eurojust on financial probes,” Dumani stated.

“SPAK has also handled 300 criminal reports, alongside an increase in international cooperation with 163 requests for legal assistance sent abroad and 70 requests from foreign authorities handled by SPAK. In 2024, a total of 824 criminal proceedings were investigated, including 526 carried over from previous years and 328 newly registered in 2024. Compared to the previous year, there has been a 9.7% increase in registered cases and a 13% rise in completed investigations,” he said.

According to the chief prosecutor of SPAK, 33 former high-ranking officials have been prosecuted in the field of corruption, with 19 referred to trial and 10 convicted by final court decisions.
“The efforts against organized crime have intensified, reflected by a 19% increase in filed cases and a 35% rise in concluded investigations. In 2024, nine new terrorism-related proceedings were initiated, with one case subsequently referred for prosecution,” Dumani stated.

“A significant positive trend is the rise in criminal cases involving money laundering, which have grown by 31% compared to 2023 and have tripled since 2021. In 2024, the total value of seized assets reached €65.5 million, reflecting a 59.7% increase from the previous year. Of this amount, 43.8%—or €28.7 million—consists of frozen assets, while around 56.2% are confiscated assets,” Dumani highlighted.

“In 2024, a total of 43 criminal proceedings concerning electoral offenses were initiated, with 7 individuals formally under investigation. Among the 2,071 persons detained nationwide, 270 are subject to investigations by SPAK. Pretrial detention measures have been imposed on 236 individuals, of whom 82% face charges related to organized crime. In corruption-related cases, 31 individuals remain in pretrial custody, 162 have received custodial sentences, 38 were handed conditional sentences, and proceedings against 13 individuals were terminated on grounds of amnesty,” Dumani reported.
“Fifty-three individuals and entities have been barred from holding public office. SPAK reported a 13% increase in closed cases. Money laundering and organized crime continue to pose significant high-level risks, especially related to drug trafficking and international criminal group activities. Human trafficking remains at a moderate risk level, with a high number of cases and the possibility of further increase,” Dumani stated.

SPAK’s chief prosecutor underscored the activity of several criminal networks across EU countries including Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway.

“These groups source cocaine from Latin America and are also involved in human trafficking and cybercrime. In 2024, authorities identified 16 high-risk criminal organizations, 10 of which have been prosecuted in court. These groups are characterized by hierarchical structures, encrypted communications, and money laundering. They operate in Tirana, Durrës, Shkodër, Kukës, Lezhë, Elbasan, and Vlorë,” Dumani noted.
“Another growing form of organized crime is computer fraud carried out through call centers, causing damages exceeding 6 million euros. Regarding corruption, indicators from 2024 show an increasing focus on combating corruption among public officials. Of the total cases under investigation, 5.9% have been requested for dismissal, 12% transferred to general jurisdiction prosecutors, while 67.4% of cases remain under investigation in 2025,” he emphasized.

“The prevalence of corrupt practices in public administration and the illegal exertion of influence continue to be concerning issues. Despite a relative decrease in passive corruption cases involving high-level officials, these offenses still erode public confidence,” Dumani stated.
He also highlighted the lack of a reliable system to securely store cryptocurrencies seized from criminal activities.
“We do not have a wallet to store seized cryptocurrencies. Even the Agency for the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets lacks a digital wallet. In 2024 alone, we seized cryptocurrencies worth over 11 million euros and faced significant challenges. We resolved the issue through close cooperation with an EU country that voluntarily offered assistance, which was a considerable effort. Currently, we are in the process of freezing an amount much larger than 11 million euros,” Dumani stated.

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