Money laundering, around 1632 suspicious cases - Report: 10.7 million euros of blocked assets. Origin, from drug trafficking
Fewer suspicious cases of money laundering and terrorist financing were reported last year. According to the Financial Intelligence Agency's annual report, 1,632 suspicious activity reports were recorded in 2024, a decrease of 5.5% compared to 2023.
Banks continue to be the ones reporting the most, followed by notaries and transfer companies. However, compared to 2023, there has been a 13% increase in reports from transfer companies, 100% from motor vehicle trading companies and electronic payment companies, while there has been a 66% decrease in reports on money laundering and terrorist financing sent by the General Directorate of Customs, 50% from the General Directorate of Taxes, but there has also been a decrease from banks, notaries and foreign exchange offices.
Even for 2024, the amount of dirty money laundered through the financial system comes from crimes in the field of drug trafficking, fraud, corruption, cases where persons have had previous criminal records or previous proceedings.
Despite the fact that the number of cases reported as suspected of money laundering was lower than in 2023, the value of assets frozen reached record levels. During 2024, a total of 11 temporary freezing orders were issued for bank accounts, for a total value of around 10.7 million euros, of which 97% were seized by decision of the Prosecutor's Office or the Court.
Suspicious money laundering and terrorist financing activities are related to deposits of physical cash in high values, with an unknown or unjustified source of funds; suspicious transfers (incoming or outgoing, even attempted) involving foreign entities, citizens and unjustified with supporting documentation; carrying out fragmented transactions with the aim of avoiding reporting below the established threshold; withdrawals in high values, without credible arguments for the reason for these actions or the destination of the funds; financial actions related to suspicions of tax evasion or concealment of income and others.
As a result of failure to adequately comply with the regulatory framework for money laundering and terrorist financing, fines totaling 4.6 million lek have been imposed on 12 entities, most of which are notaries.
EU "watches" diversion of Chinese exports - Expected to limit steel and electronics imports from Beijing
With the start of reciprocal tariffs, the European Union expects goods previously destined for the US to seek out the bloc's markets. Chinese renewables,......
Changes in the student loan scheme - Application through e-Albania, interests are covered by the state
The Council of Ministers has approved several changes to the decision on "determining the student loan scheme", with the aim of facilitating procedures for......
Cryptocurrencies join global market turmoil – Bitcoin suffers biggest losses overnight!
Bitcoin fell below $78,000 as investors braced for more volatility in financial markets after US stocks suffered their worst drop since 2020, with President......
Denaj: Improving irrigation-drainage infrastructure strengthens "Made in Albania" brand products!
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anila Denaj, shared on social media moments from the work she is carrying out there, where heavy equipment......
Austria closes 24 border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia after outbreak of animal disease, Foot and Mouth Disease!
Austria has closed two dozen border crossings with its neighbors Hungary and Slovakia in a major effort to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and......
Temperatures up to -9 °C in the north of the country – ARRSH informs on the current situation of road axes!
The Albanian Road Authority has announced that snowfall continued overnight in the North and Southeast of the country without causing traffic......
Rama is honored with the Presidential Medal of Honor in Israel: I am receiving it on behalf of all Albanians!
Prime Minister Edi Rama was honored with the Presidential Medal of Honor awarded by the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, a medal awarded specifically to......
Electricity, 30% cheaper in March - Renewable sources and rising temperatures, the main factors
According to Eurelectric data, electricity production in solar and nuclear power plants, combined with higher temperatures, reduced the price of electricity......
