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Expert Edward Joseph talks about money laundering, organized crime and regional destabilization
At one of the most sensitive moments in relations between the United States of America and the Albanian government, the US Congress has requested additional opinions and analysis from renowned foreign policy and Balkan affairs expert, Edward P. Joseph.
The questions come after a hearing at the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where serious issues related to elections, justice, and governance in Albania were addressed.
In response to the question of how the international community should respond to the fact that Albania is increasingly emerging as a center for trafficking and money laundering, Joseph stated that “ trafficking and money laundering pose a direct threat to US and NATO interests and reflect a deeper pathology within the Albanian system of governance .” He emphasized that “ the convergence of interests of the ruling party, state institutions and organized crime lies at the heart of this challenge .”
According to him, organized crime is no longer an external factor that threatens the Albanian political system, but an active part of it. “ As documented by investigative reporting and OFAC determinations, organized crime in Albania has penetrated political structures and facilitated electoral manipulation. Allowing this hub to continue risks further destabilization throughout Europe and the transatlantic space ,” Joseph added.
In this context, he recommended some concrete measures for the United States and its allies in the European Union. First, he called for “ clear conditionality of bilateral relations with demonstrable progress in the rule of law ,” emphasizing that diplomatic communication should be open and blunt. He further said that “ OFAC should consider designations of political actors who cooperate with organized crime ,” referring to the possibility of targeted sanctions.
In particular, Joseph underlined the need for unwavering support for justice structures such as SPAK, stressing that “ the US and the EU must support SPAK, insisting on the impartial application of the law .” He also called for discouraging investments in high-risk sectors susceptible to money laundering, as well as intensifying regional cooperation, including support for Kosovo’s membership in INTERPOL.
In another question, directly related to the issue of regional security, Joseph emphasized that “ State Department reporting now reflects awareness of the security risks posed by Albania’s role as a criminal hub .” According to him, illicit financial flows not only undermine regional stability, but “facilitate malign influence and compromise NATO’s southeastern flank.” He added that the challenge now is to translate this awareness into concrete political action.
Asked whether American officials have influenced the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, the expert replied emphatically: “ This witness has no information that suggests any improper influence by American officials on the Constitutional Court of Kosovo. Such behavior would be highly unusual and inappropriate .”
However, he added that the biggest concern is the unbalanced international approach, where according to him “ Pristina is held more responsible, while Belgrade is given freedom of action .” This approach, according to Joseph, has contributed to the increase in tensions, including the incidents in Banjska and Zvecan, where the safety of KFOR troops has also been jeopardized.
In concluding his analysis, Joseph assessed that Albania is approaching a turning point. “ With many senior officials under indictment or in detention, Albania’s governance crisis has entered a critical phase. Continued progress towards EU membership must be accompanied by genuine rule of law reform. Accountability must be strengthened and international engagement, particularly coordinated US-EU pressure, will be crucial ,” Joseph concluded. / Pamphlet
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