Millions of euros seized. From the Cayman Islands to South Africa, 13 money laundering schemes in 2024

In real estate, vehicles and jewelry... using Albanians and foreign citizens mainly in the Cayman Islands and North Africa, 13 money laundering schemes were identified last year.

Data from the Financial Intelligence Agency summarized in last year's report show that 10.4 million euros were blocked and then seized in 2024, writes A2. The value of the money that criminal groups tried to launder last year, but that was seized by the Financial Intelligence Agency, is 10 times higher than in 2023.

Brikena Kasmi, former Deputy Minister of Justice, stated: "The data shows that despite the fact that we have left the money laundering gray list, this phenomenon remains present and in a worrying form."

Data from the Financial Intelligence Agency shows that last year, more than half of the identified money laundering schemes also involved businesses. It was not only Albanians who were involved in the money laundering schemes. Three foreign citizens opened three businesses in the country and through them benefited from 3 million euros, transfers that came mainly from Singapore, Romania and Colombia, and were hidden under the guise of "consulting services".

Edison Zaçaj, lecturer and economics expert, tells A2: "Businesses in the service sector are mainly used. They are the most difficult to track."

While Brikena Kasmi, former Deputy Minister of Justice, says: "The three main elements of money laundering are placement, layering and integration. All three of these elements have not changed."

Data from the Financial Intelligence Agency on banks, currency exchange points or notaries last year was ready for money laundering. Compared to previous years, the “Suspicious Activity Report” increased. Mainly in the State Police and the Special Prosecutor's Office SPAK, “Financial Intelligence” forwarded 234 suspected cases of money laundering, 14 cases more than in 2023.

"In my opinion, there are many more cases to be examined and many more crimes still unregistered. These are the values ​​of the seized money, but the phenomenon is much more widespread," Zaçaj emphasizes.

Data from the Financial Intelligence Agency shows that last year, 97 percent of the value of frozen money was seized by decision of the Prosecutor's Office or the Court. This ratio has remained almost unchanged in the last 6 years. (A2 Televizion)