Albanian organised crime is using the United Arab Emirates to launder the proceeds of crime and keep themselves, and their money out of the reach of the authorities, according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC).
The report observed how most of the criminal operations take place outside of the Western Balkans. For example, dealmakers near supply sources in South America, foot soldiers manage distribution networks in Belgium, Italy and Western Europe, and the bosses keep themselves holed up in the UAE.
In fact, the report states that around two-thirds of all Albanian organised crime leaders, are hiding out in the country.
"Major criminals from the Balkans buy their safe stay by investing large amounts of money in the country and spending a lot, sustaining a luxurious lifestyle," the report quotes a journalist as saying.
Furthermore, it states that criminals feel so safe in the UAE, they invite friends and family to stay with them. One of the reasons they feel so safe is that until recently, it has been hard to extradite wanted criminals. Other reasons include poor checks and balances in terms of money laundering and low levels of screening of suspicious transactions.
One notorious “Albanian kingpin” hiding out in the UAE is Edli Dizdari who is accused of international drug trafficking and is wanted in Italy. So far, the UAE has failed to respond to an extradition request.
But it’s not just Albanian criminals who have made themselves at home in the UAE. The report states that various EU law enforcement agencies have noticed an uptick in criminals relocating there. Furthermore, criminals from Bosnia and Herzegovina have also moved there.
“The trend of moving to distant markets to launder proceeds of crime shows the increased sophistication of Balkan criminals and is an indicator of how flexible and business-oriented these organizations have become,” the report states.
It also calls on law enforcement to cooperate with UAE authorities to address the issue.
“In addition, more needs to be done to address the dangers of integrating proceeds of crime laundered overseas back into the fragile political economy of the Western Balkans,” the report notes.
Over the last two years, the Albanian government has also stepped up its cooperation with UAE investors on a number of projects. For example, the Port of Durres deal which was given to a company called Symphony Invest.
