Organised Albanian crime destabilizing Greece and Balkans

A new report links rising Albanian nationalism with organized Albanian crime in Greece. The report states that organized crime controlled by the Albanian mafia is a destabilizing force in Greece.

The Albanian mafia controls about 80 percent of the retail distribution of heroin in Greece; about 50 percent of armed robberies in houses, shops-businesses were committed by Albanians; controls 90 percent of the import of illegal light weapons in the country (Kalashnikov, Makarov, grenades); and controls 50 percent of human trafficking.

Albanian organized crime accounts for several billions of euros in black funds, though notably the mafia heads do not operate in Greece, instead using trustees. The report states the mafia "have the ability to mobilize hundreds of rugged Albanians in Greece for any reason that will make a profit or if 'forced' because of international pressure." Most significantly the report draws links between rising Albanian nationalism that focuses on a "Greater Albania" and organized crime.

RIEAS reports that a confidential police report reveals 42 Albanian criminal organizations operate in Greece. It states "3,000 Albanian criminals are active in the transportation and distribution of cannabis and heroin, while 2,500 Albanians are arrested each year in Greece for robberies, thefts and burglaries." Sources from the Citizen’s Protection Ministry "estimate that 3,000 Albanians who live in Greece (many legally) own AK-47 rifles and unknown quantities of ammunition."

The combination of reports shows an increasing trend of funds acquired through organized Albanian crime in Greece financing extremist Albanian groups throughout the Balkans.