The document stresses that Albanian criminal groups have expanded their influence in Latin America, benefiting from ties with cartels to traffic multi-ton cocaine shipments to Europe.

In addition to drug trafficking, the report also identifies financial crime as a major concern, with scams run through call centers in Albania occupying a significant place in the agency’s analysis.

Report:

The role of Albanian networks in Latin America

The Italian ’Ndrangheta has established extensive cocaine trafficking routes in Latin America and uses Albanian criminal networks to oversee these deals on the ground. As a result, it has managed to build a dominant position in drug trafficking from Latin America, securing full control over the entire criminal process, from the source to final distribution.

Some Albanian criminal networks have established themselves in Latin America and continue to benefit from their ongoing relationships with drug cartels. Other criminal networks from the Western Balkans have also expanded their involvement in international cocaine trafficking.

Albanian drug trafficking network cooperating with other criminal networks

An Albanian criminal network, organized along clan lines, was involved in cocaine trafficking and money laundering. The network organized multi-ton cocaine shipments from Latin America to Europe’s main ports, operating on a global scale.

To carry out these large shipments, the network cooperated with many other criminal organizations, both inside and outside the European Union. The network leader coordinated the shipments from distant countries, using coded (encrypted) means of communication.

Criminal network linked to the “Los Lobos” cartel

A drug trafficking network linked to the Ecuadorian cartel Los Lobos was the subject of an international investigation. The network was led by a person considered a high-value target by the authorities. He used fruit export companies as cover for illegal activities, hiding drugs inside legitimate cargo.

Alerts about suspicious containers led to targeted inspections and seizures at Europe’s main ports. The Ecuadorian network cooperated with an Albanian criminal network.

Members of this Albanian network regularly traveled to Ecuador to negotiate deals. Criminal cells operating in various European countries handled logistics and the further distribution of drugs within the European Union.

Professionally organized call centers involved in investment fraud

A criminal network engaged in a large-scale online fraud scheme operated several call centers in Albania. These centers were professionally organized, with a clear division of duties among specialized teams, coordinated by team leaders and senior management. In total, they employed around 450 people.

Advertisements on social media and search engines promoted investment platforms that appeared legitimate. Potential victims were contacted by call center employees, often in their native language, to gain their trust. After registering on the platform, they were persuaded to transfer additional sums of money.

Victims were located across Europe and in other parts of the world, while the total financial damage is estimated to have been at least 50 million euros. This criminal network was dismantled in 2026, after an international investigation that lasted two years.

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