The head of Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), Altin Dumani, has revealed that more than €330 million have been seized in connection with money laundering investigations since 2020. Speaking on the national television program “Trialog” hosted by journalist Alba Alishani on RTSH1, Dumani emphasized that SPAK has achieved an unprecedented increase in the value of confiscated and seized assets, setting a regional benchmark in the fight against corruption and financial crime.
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| Screenshoof of Altin dumani at RTSH1 show in front of Alba Alishani |
This milestone represents a major success for SPAK, an institution created in 2019 under the judicial reform supported by the European Union and the United States. Its primary mission is to fight organized crime, high-level corruption, and money laundering — issues that have long plagued Albania’s governance and economy.
Strengthening the Fight Against Money Laundering
Dumani stated that the Special Prosecution has significantly increased the number of criminal proceedings initiated against individuals involved in money laundering schemes. These cases have led to more indictments, trials, and asset confiscations, sending a strong message that illicit gains will no longer be protected by impunity.
“Since 2020, we have seen steady progress — not only in the number of cases prosecuted but also in the volume of assets seized,” Dumani said. “We have noticed that dirty money is increasingly being invested in sectors like tourism, where large sums can be integrated into the legal economy.”
This revelation sheds light on one of Albania’s growing economic paradoxes: while tourism continues to boom, part of the investment may be fueled by illicit funds. SPAK’s findings have pointed toward money laundering through hotel and real estate development, often involving complex ownership structures and offshore companies.
Comparing Albania to the Region
Altin Dumani underscored that Albania’s results in asset recovery are among the strongest in the Western Balkans. “When you compare the level of confiscations achieved by SPAK to other regional countries, the difference is striking,” he explained.
Experts note that while neighboring countries like North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia have made efforts to tackle corruption, few have reached the same level of financial impact as Albania’s Special Prosecution. This success not only strengthens Albania’s credibility in the eyes of the European Union but also demonstrates that the anti-corruption reform — despite its challenges — is producing measurable results.
Institutional Independence and Public Trust
Dumani’s appearance on national television comes amid growing public interest in SPAK’s work. Many Albanians see the institution as one of the few remaining symbols of justice reform that is functioning independently. Dumani himself has earned a reputation for professionalism, transparency, and resistance to political pressure.
“The results speak for themselves,” commented one analyst following the broadcast. “The seizure of more than €330 million shows that SPAK is not afraid to go after the financial roots of organized crime, not just its visible figures.”
Nevertheless, Dumani admitted that the road ahead remains challenging. “Criminal networks constantly evolve,” he said. “They use new financial channels, cryptocurrencies, and international schemes to hide their assets. Our task is to adapt our investigations and strengthen cooperation with foreign partners.”
A Signal to the International Community
SPAK’s progress comes at a crucial time for Albania, which is advancing toward EU membership and must demonstrate consistent results in justice and rule of law reforms. Brussels has often cited asset recovery and the prosecution of corruption cases as key benchmarks for the country’s accession process.
By targeting money laundering, SPAK not only fights domestic corruption but also fulfills international obligations under organizations like the Council of Europe’s GRECO and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
International observers have praised Albania’s recent results, noting that strong asset confiscation mechanisms are a sign of real institutional maturity. “Following the money,” as Dumani put it, has become SPAK’s guiding principle — ensuring that organized crime no longer profits from its activities.
Altin Dumani’s statement on the seizure of over €330 million in illicit assets marks a historic achievement for Albania’s justice system. SPAK’s work demonstrates that systematic, data-driven investigations can yield tangible outcomes in the fight against corruption and organized crime.
However, as Dumani himself cautioned, the mission is far from over. Continuous reforms, better investigative tools, and stronger cooperation between law enforcement and financial institutions will be essential to sustain this progress.
For now, SPAK’s results stand as a beacon of accountability and hope — showing that Albania’s justice reform, though often criticized, can indeed deliver powerful results when determination meets institutional integrity.