Tirana at the center of U.S.–Europe security: FBI brings experts on crime, terrorism, drones and dirty money to Albania

Tirana has these days become 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 the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA).

According to the meeting’s agenda, 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 event. The program includes leaders of the State Police, SPAK, the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) and the Prosecution, while from the U.S. side the participation of Spencer Horn, Deputy Assistant Director at the FBI, is expected, along with the FBI attaché in Sofia, Brendan Collins.

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 more unusual topics is the online group “764,” linked by U.S. authorities to forms of violent extremism and criminal activity 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 are then also 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 crime money go?

Another key topic is tracking crime money.

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,” which relates to how seized and confiscated assets can be used for public purposes.

BKH and narcotics 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 it is not just 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, problems encountered in practice and ways of cooperating with other countries will be discussed.