Recent revelations from Italy have sent shockwaves across Europe, particularly concerning the Albanian mafia. Prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, a prominent figure in the fight against organized crime, has made a striking statement regarding the Albanian underworld, labeling it as the second most powerful in Europe after the notorious 'Ndrangheta.
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Gratteri's assertion came during an Italian television program discussing the Rama-Meloni pact and its potential benefits for mafia organizations. He emphasized that Albanian criminal groups have made significant inroads into Europe, particularly in the lucrative cocaine trade originating from Latin America, where they collaborate closely with the 'Ndrangheta.
According to Gratteri, Albanian mafia influence extends beyond Europe's borders, with a stronghold in the northern regions of the continent. Furthermore, he highlighted the growing strength of Albanian organized crime within Albania itself, citing widespread corruption as a contributing factor.
"It's hard to predict the fate of refugees, but I can certainly tell you about the Albanian mafia. It is the second strongest in Europe after the 'Ndrangheta," stated the prosecutor. "The Albanian mafia is formidable. It's not the type to launch direct attacks like the 'Ndrangheta, but it has begun contracting them for the transportation of cocaine from Latin America."
Gratteri's remarks shed light on the alarming rise of Albanian criminal syndicates, both within Europe and domestically. Albania, with its moderate levels of corruption and weaknesses in the judicial system, has become a fertile ground for mafia operations, further exacerbated by longstanding Italian influence.
The prosecutor's statements come on the heels of an investigative report aired on "Rai 3," which detailed how mafia groups stand to benefit from agreements concerning immigrants. The report highlighted figures like Engjëll Agaçi, a lawyer known for his ties to criminal organizations, as emblematic of the symbiotic relationship between mafias and certain sectors of society.
As concerns mount over the expanding reach of Albanian organized crime, Gratteri's warnings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in combating this entrenched network of illicit activity.