FBI representatives meet Albania’s security elite in Tirana, from organized crime to drones and crime proceeds

Tirana has become these days the center of an important meeting of security leaders and experts from the U.S. and Europe. From September 19 to 23, the capital hosts the 42nd meeting of the European chapter of FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA).

According to the meeting agenda obtained by Euronews Albania, the program includes topics directly related to security and the fight against crime: organized crime, terrorism, online extremism, the “764” group, drones, cybercrime, crime proceeds, asset seizures, narcotics and extraditions.

Representatives of Albanian and American institutions have taken part in the activity. The program includes leaders of the State Police, SPAK, BKH and the Prosecution, while from the U.S. the participation of Spencer Horn, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI, as well as the FBI attaché in Sofia, Brendan Collins, is expected.

Organized crime

The meeting opens with discussions on the fight against organized crime and the experience of the Budapest Organized Crime Task Force, which marks 25 years of cooperation.

The program also includes the American model of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which brings together different agencies to investigate terrorist threats.

From the Albanian side, border crimes and illegal migration will also be discussed.

What is “764”?

One of the most distinctive topics is the online group “764,” linked by U.S. authorities to forms of violent extremism and criminal activities on the internet.

The topic “Nihilistic Violent Extremism and 764” is presented by an FBI official from Berlin.

New forms of violent extremism and Albania’s experience in confronting them will also be discussed.

FBI brings drone experts

The conference also has a special section on drones. Experts from the FBI Laboratory Division will present the technologies used to examine and analyze drones.

After this session, discussions move to cybercrime and international cooperation against criminal groups.

Where does the crime money go?

Another key topic is tracking crime proceeds.

The conference discusses the role of financial intelligence in the fight against organized crime.

The program also includes the topic “From Confiscation to Public Good,” related to how seized and confiscated assets can be used for public purposes.

BKH and drug investigations

The program also includes a concrete case investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation in the field of narcotics. The case will be presented by BKH investigator Eduart Kaloshi.

So this is not just about theoretical discussions. The conference also exchanges experience from concrete investigations.

Extraditions

On the final day, the focus shifts to extraditions and international cooperation. Albanian procedures, the problems encountered in practice and ways of cooperating with other countries will be discussed.