TIRANA, June 2 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu presented the government’s 2026 recommendations on combating crime. He addressed Prosecutor General Olsian Çela, Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office head Klodian Braho and chief prosecutors from across the country.
Gogu said the recommendations cover eight areas. They align with the European Union’s closing benchmarks under Chapters 23 and 24. The areas include the rule of law, human rights, crime prevention, transparency and institutional capacity. They also cover modern investigative methods, cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, interinstitutional cooperation and international cooperation. According to Gogu, this alignment reflects a deliberate methodological choice.
Meanwhile, Gogu said authorities used the assessment of the 2025 recommendations as the basis for the 2026 framework. He added that prosecutors still have room to increase ex officio investigations. He also called for stronger financial investigations and greater attention to final asset confiscations.
For 2026, the minister identified three structural priorities. He said these are areas where crime trends and EU integration requirements intersect. First, he described tax evasion as a criminal priority. He said stronger investigations and closer institutional cooperation are needed to protect state finances and fair competition.
In addition, Gogu highlighted cybercrime and emerging forms of criminal activity. He said online fraud, cryptocurrency-based money laundering and digital attacks require specialised prosecutorial units, technological investment and continuous training.
Finally, he identified road crime as a major concern. He pointed to offences such as drunk driving, driving under the influence of narcotics and driving without a licence. At the same time, he called for stronger investigations and closer cooperation with the State Police.
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