Balkan Organized Crime: Regional Trends and Transnational Networks

Nexus Between Hooliganism and Organized Crime in the Western Balkans: A Theoretical Approach, Lea Sterli

Lea Sterli will present the findings and theoretical implications of the research paper titled "Nexus Between Hooliganism and Organized Crime in the Western Balkans: A Theoretical Approach". Conducted by the Observatory of Illicit Economies in Southeastern Europe, a project of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), this paper explores the complex relationship between football hooliganism and organized crime in the Western Balkans. It incorporates two distinct theoretical approaches to provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.

Albanians and Serious Organised Crime in the UK, Lola Cecchinel

From November 2022 to February 2024, TAG International was commissioned by police forces in Norwich, Greater Manchester and Brighton and Hove to carry out research on the involvement of Albanian nationals into Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) in the UK. Ledion Krisafi and Lola Cecchinel designed and led the research for TAG. They used the same approach and methodology across the three cities, with Krisafi carrying out interviews with Albanian irregular migrants in the UK, including those who arrived in small boats in 2022, Albanian detainees as well as members of the diaspora, while Cecchinel as the research lead conducted key informant interviews with local councils, frontline services, asylum and trafficking specialists as well as members of the charity sector. Interview data were analysed using a narrative-based method and synthesised in three distinct reports. In November 2023, they also carried out a study for the British Embassy in Tirana to analyse the plausible explanations behind the sudden drop in the number of Albanian small boats crossings in 2023, and to what extent it was due to government action. Across these three studies, over a hundred Albanians in the UK and in Albania were interviewed on various issues including their involvement in cannabis cultivation and cocaine dealing, trafficking and labour exploitation, as well as the ambiguous role of the diaspora in the UK. The findings of our research shed light on the complexity of Albanians’ migration journeys and relations with organised crime, as well as the vulnerabilities of their condition in the UK. 

Unseen States, Unbridled Crimes: Exploring Organised Crime in Unrecognised States and Its Challenges for Regional Security, Alexandra Tsarvulanova

This research delves into the complexities of transnational organised crime (TOC) within unrecognised states, with a specific focus on European region. The study is structured into three main parts: specifics of TOC in unrecognised states, regional perspective and implications, and possible solutions and recommendations. The first section explores why post-conflict zones and fragile territories, such as unrecognised states, become attractive hubs for TOC. It examines the roles played by political elites in these regions and how their involvement with organised crime can complicate efforts to combat TOC. Additionally, the research discusses the dual role of TOC in state-building, evaluating whether it poses obstacles or paradoxically strengthens governance structures within these unrecognised entities. The middle part of the study is devoted to regional paradigm and investigates the influence of parent-states (official states claiming the territory) and patron-states (external supporters) on organised criminal activities. It further explores the integration of these unrecognised states into larger criminal networks, such as the role of Kosovo in the illegal Balkan Route. The final section provides actionable recommendations to mitigate the impact of TOC in unrecognised states. It suggests improving resilience systems by drawing comparisons with sovereign states from the Global Organised Crime Index. It also advocates for enhancing the accountability of parent- and patron-states in addressing TOC-related issues. Lastly, the research discusses the paradox of data collection in unrecognised states, proposing that a theoretical status quo might facilitate better research and policy-making without endorsing international recognition. This study aims to enhance understanding of the unique challenges posed by TOC in unrecognised states and to propose practical solutions for improving regional security. By addressing the specific conditions and state dynamics of these territories, the research seeks to inform more effective strategies to combat organised crime and its far-reaching impacts.