ITALY - Albanian mafia under investigation

  

 According to the National Anti-Mafia Directorate – an organ of the Italian State’s General Attorney for the fight against organized crime, the Albanian mafia has gained a leading role in Italy’s drug market
Gawar, Berat Dia 2, Country, Zanon I Keq, New Deal 2008, Uomini duri, Shqiptar, Little, Rikos.
These are the names of some of the many investigations for drug-related offences – mentioned in the last annual report of the National Anti-Mafia Directorate – that have involved Albanian citizens in recent times. Such investigations have been carried out in every corner of Italy: Brescia, Brindisi, Turin, Verbania, Milan, Florence, Ascoli Piceno, Perugia, and Lecce.

Nothing new, some may say. The Albanian underworld is known to have progressively extended its influence in drug trafficking for years, through emigration and especially in Northern and Central Italy. However, the report by the National Anti-Mafia Directorate (DNA), covering the period from July 1st, 2011 to June 30th, 2012, highlights how Albanian crime has made the leap, carving itself a leading role in Italy’s drug market.

Albanian criminals no longer trade on the streets, but now operate primarily as suppliers, exhibiting “the awareness of being a growing criminal force”, reads the report, which points out how Albanian groups have “overcome isolated initiatives in drug trafficking” and now engage in “more stable criminal strategies, aimed at strengthening ties in the area and evolving towards more qualified criminal activities”.