A recent police operation in Tirana has reignited national debate over the exploitation of minors in Albania, shedding light on a persistent social issue that continues to affect vulnerable communities. Eight individuals were arrested by authorities after months of investigation into allegations that children were being forced to work and beg on the streets of the capital — a case that illustrates both criminal wrongdoing and deeper structural challenges facing the country.
According to official information released by law enforcement, the operation concluded with four suspects placed in pre-trial detention and four others under house arrest. Authorities believe the group acted in coordination, exploiting minors — reportedly between the ages of nine and eleven — by transporting them from Elbasan to Tirana and compelling them to sell flowers or solicit money late into the night. Earnings were allegedly confiscated, while the children were kept outdoors until the early hours of the morning before being returned home and redeployed the following day.
Investigators suspect this activity was ongoing for an extended period, highlighting how organized exploitation networks can operate undetected for months. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors seek to determine the full extent of the operation and identify additional participants.
A Symptom of a Broader Social Problem
While the arrests mark a significant enforcement action, experts and civil society organizations warn that such incidents are not isolated. Exploitation of children in street situations has long been a visible concern in urban centers, particularly Tirana. Observers frequently report minors washing car windows, selling small items, or begging at busy intersections — often under the supervision or direction of adults.
In 2024 alone, local child protection agencies documented 240 cases involving minors engaged in street labor or begging in the capital, followed by another 102 cases recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Daily earnings from such activities can reach the equivalent of €30–50, creating financial incentives for families or organizers to keep children on the streets despite legal risks and health dangers.
Research indicates that the issue is closely tied to socioeconomic vulnerability. Children involved frequently come from marginalized backgrounds, including Roma and Egyptian communities, and face multiple layers of risk — poverty, limited access to education, and social exclusion — that increase exposure to exploitation.
Human Rights and Trafficking Concerns
International and domestic reports emphasize that forcing minors to beg or work is more than a social welfare issue; it constitutes a violation of fundamental rights and can amount to trafficking or forced labor. National monitoring organizations recorded over 2,163 cases of children in street situations handled in 2023, with nearly half being newly identified cases — demonstrating a persistent upward trend.
Between 2022 and mid-2025, child protection hotlines followed up on 755 reported exploitation cases involving 1,439 children nationwide. The number of minors identified as victims or potential victims of trafficking also increased during this period, signaling growing concern among advocates that institutional responses remain insufficient.
Long-term data paints an even more troubling picture. In Albania, more than one in three trafficking-related convictions since the early 1990s have involved children, with forced labor accounting for a significant share of victims in recent years. Albanian minors — especially from vulnerable communities — have been trafficked domestically and abroad for begging and other forms of exploitation.
Gaps Between Reporting and Reality
One of the most challenging aspects of combating child exploitation is the discrepancy between official statistics and field observations. Police data showed only dozens of processed cases nationwide in recent years, while child-rights organizations documented hundreds of incidents affecting many more children. Advocates argue that underreporting, limited institutional capacity, and repeated recurrence of known cases contribute to the gap.
Additionally, the phenomenon has deep historical roots. Studies have estimated that thousands of children in Albania live in street situations, with many facing risk of exploitation or trafficking. The problem is often cyclical, with minors receiving assistance but returning to the streets due to family poverty or lack of sustained support systems.
Public Responsibility and Social Awareness
Authorities and social agencies emphasize that public behavior plays a role in perpetuating or mitigating exploitation. Financial contributions to children on the street, though well-intentioned, may reinforce the economic incentives behind their exploitation. Experts encourage citizens to support structured assistance programs instead of direct handouts, aiming to reduce the profitability of such activities and encourage systemic solutions.
At the same time, specialists caution against framing the issue solely as criminal conduct by individuals. Structural factors — poverty, lack of education, weak social services, and marginalization — must be addressed to break the cycle. Without coordinated intervention and improved institutional cooperation, enforcement actions alone are unlikely to produce lasting change.
Looking Ahead
The recent arrests in Tirana represent an important step toward accountability, but they also underscore the magnitude of a problem that extends beyond a single case. The exploitation of minors in street labor and begging remains one of Albania’s most pressing human rights and social challenges.
Sustainable progress will require a comprehensive approach — stronger law enforcement coordination, expanded social support services, educational outreach, and community engagement — to ensure that children are protected from abuse and provided with real opportunities for development.
As investigations continue, the case serves as both a warning and a call to action for institutions and society alike. The wellbeing of Albania’s children — particularly those from its most vulnerable communities — depends on collective responsibility, vigilance, and long-term commitment to change.