Organized crime: the growing influence of Albanian-speaking networks in Belgium
Belgium is facing a worrying evolution in its organized crime. According to several recent reports, criminal networks of Albanian-speaking origin have discreetly expanded their activities within Belgian territory, establishing themselves as major players in drug trafficking.
These criminal organizations take advantage of well-established structures to manage significant flows of illicit products. Their modus operandi is characterized by great discretion, which makes the work of Belgian authorities particularly complex in dismantling these networks in a sustainable manner.
Beyond Belgian borders, the situation has its roots in persistent corruption in Albania. The profits generated by these criminal activities in Europe are often reinvested in the country of origin, particularly in the real estate and tourism sectors, thereby allowing for the laundering of dirty money.
Faced with this threat, international police cooperation has become essential. Belgian authorities are working in close collaboration with their European partners to better understand these networks and limit their capacity for action on national soil.
The fight against this phenomenon remains a priority for security services. The goal is not only to seize illegal shipments, but also to strike these organizations at the financial level to prevent the reinvestment of their criminal profits.