Albania was mentioned in a hearing held in the US Congress, where the focus was on the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking, election integrity, corruption, and political developments in the Western Balkans.
During the hearing, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson raised the issue of the situation in Albania, referring to reports of the impact of corruption, organized crime, and electoral integrity issues. Wilson asked the US administration what it is doing in the face of drug trafficking and criminal networks operating in Albania.
In response, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Lawton stressed that the United States continues to cooperate with the Albanian government in the fight against transnational criminal organizations.
"The United States continues to work with the Albanian government to combat transnational criminal organizations operating there," Lawton said.
He also highlighted the international dimension of these organizations, emphasizing that they have links to criminal cartels in the Western Hemisphere.
A special appreciation in the American official's response was given to the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK, which, according to him, has shown effectiveness in dealing with some of the issues that were raised during the session.
"We have found that the special structure for the fight against corruption and organized crime, SPAK, has been relatively effective in dealing with some of the issues you raised," Lawton stated.
The American official then placed Albania's development in a broader historical perspective, recalling the country's transformation after the fall of communism.
"For me it is inspiring to see that the most communist state during the Cold War is now free, so we want Albania to succeed," he said.
During the session, Albania was also mentioned in the context of discussions on investments and real estate deals in the Western Balkans.
Democratic Congressman Bill Keating raised concerns about what he described as the use of political connections with the US administration to pursue business deals in the region. In his statement, Keating also mentioned Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, saying that while he has been engaged in international affairs, he has been pursuing important real estate projects in Serbia and Albania.
The discussion in Congress comes at a time when Albania remains one of the Western Balkan countries where the fight against organized crime, corruption and the strengthening of justice institutions are central to the European integration process.
In this context, the statement of the US State Department official on the effectiveness of SPAK constitutes an important element of the American stance towards Albanian justice institutions and cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime.
"Unfortunately, while the Trump administration publicly advocates regional stability, politically connected people, outside actors, and friends of the President are using their connections to the White House to pursue corrupt deals in the Western Balkans, enriching themselves and undermining U.S. security. Two notable examples involve the President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. While President Trump has tasked Kushner with negotiating globally with countries including Russia and Ukraine, he has pursued billions of dollars in real estate deals, first in Serbia and now in Albania," Keating said.
Question: Republican Congressman Joe Wilson
We can play a role in monitoring and promoting free and fair elections. Furthermore, it has been reported that corruption, organized crime, and electoral integrity in Albania are being affected by the government of Edi Rama, which is, in fact, encouraging the creation of a narcotics trafficking network. Over the years, the United States has been very successful in cooperating with anti-crime and organized drug trafficking authorities to address this issue. What is the administration doing in response to narcotics trafficking in Albania?
Answer: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Daniel Lawton
Congressman Wilson, I also thank you for this important question. I can assure you that the United States continues to work with the Albanian government to combat the transnational criminal organizations operating there.
These organizations have international ties to cartels here in the Western Hemisphere. In particular, we have found that the special structure for the fight against corruption and organized crime SPAK has been relatively effective in addressing some of the issues that you raised. It is inspiring to me to see that the most communist country during the Cold War is now free, so we want Albania to succeed.
