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Alarm from DIA: The Albanian mafia, a systemic threat to Italy and the EU, increasingly technological and sophisticated

Politiko 2025-05-30 19:24:49

Alarm from DIA: The Albanian mafia, a systemic threat to Italy and the EU,
A serious alarm has come from the Anti-Mafia Investigations Directorate (DIA) in its latest report, where the Albanian mafia is described as one of the biggest systemic threats to the security of Italy and the European Union.

According to the DIA, Albanian criminal groups are no longer a peripheral presence, but powerful, organized and increasingly sophisticated actors. They operate at all levels of organized crime: from the streets of Italian cities to Europe's strategic ports, from drug trafficking to infiltration of the legal economy and cybercrime.

From the periphery to the center: The Albanian mafia at the heart of the European
criminal system Recent investigations reveal a sustained collaboration between the Albanian mafia and traditional Italian groups, such as the 'Ndrangheta, sharing territories and profits through a tacit but highly effective balance.

In particular, cocaine trafficking through major European ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg is dominated by Albanian groups, which manage logistics and imports from South America via the "Adriatic route".

"Albanian groups are already a powerful link in the international crime chain. They operate with a high level of autonomy, organization and sophistication," the DIA report states.
From drug trafficking to legal investments and digital
crime Albanian crime is no longer limited to trafficking routes. Illegal proceeds are reinvested in legitimate businesses, including in the real estate market, restaurants, transportation, and other economic sectors, often through fictitious names or networks of intermediaries.

In addition, the use of cryptocurrencies, cyber fraud and illegal online trade have become part of the new strategies of the Albanian mafia, which is rapidly adapting to the digital age.

Classic mafia structure, but with modern
power According to the DIA, many of these groups retain the classic mafia structure – with clear hierarchies, codes of silence and strong provincial or family ties – but operate with the tools and mindset of a global crime.

They also control street violence and recruit young people from immigrant communities for criminal activities such as debt collection, arms trafficking, or prostitution.

A challenge for European
security The DIA, in cooperation with international agencies such as Europol, has identified Albanian networks as a strategic priority in the fight against organized crime. However, authorities warn that investigations and arrests are not enough – an integrated strategy is required, including:

Financial traceability;
Community prevention;
Anti-money laundering measures;
Controls on public contracts.
The new frontier: Crime in the hands of the new generation and technology
The report also raises concern about "baby gangs" – new criminal groups, often with underage members – and the rise of cybercrime as a new dimension of organised crime.

The conclusion is clear: The Albanian mafia is no longer just an accomplice in the Italian crime scene. It is already an independent and international force, posing a concrete and organized danger to the whole of Europe.