Interior minister: 17% more people than last year were arrested in the national search

The Minister of the Interior, Ervin Hoxha, reported to the Security Commission the state of order in the country and the criminal events that happened recently. He emphasized that 17% more people were arrested in the national search between January and August of this year, more than last year.

“You ask for information about the serious criminal events that happened during the summer, for which you have detailed explanations in the material at your disposal. It is true that in August of this year there was an increase in the crime of “murder”, compared to other months.

But in the analysis of the 8-month indicators, I want to confirm that we are almost at the same parameters as last year, which marked the lowest number of murders in the last 3 decades. Protecting the lives and safety of citizens is the main and indisputable duty of the State Police.

Therefore, every statistic, no matter how positive it is, carries a weight, a responsibility for each of us, since security requires comprehensive efforts from every segment of society. During the period July-August 2024, a total of 12 murders occurred, of which 10 were discovered. Meanwhile, during this period, 12 assassination attempts were prevented.

This is undoubtedly evidence of a good work of the police structures. As for the year 2024, 28 murders have been registered, out of the 35 that there were during the year 2023. Arrest of persons wanted by the justice bodies.

One of the issues raised by you is the low number of arrested persons. I want to clarify that, compared to a year ago, the number of arrested persons is higher, both for those declared wanted nationally and for those wanted internationally.

More specifically, for national wanted persons, during the period January-August 2024, 209 more people were caught than the same period last year, or in other words 17% more. For internationally wanted persons, during the period January-August 2024, 61 more were apprehended than last year, or 43% more. It is important to emphasize that the capture of internationally wanted persons is also the result of excellent cooperation with the police of partner countries and organizations such as Interpol and Europol.

This year alone, the State Police is involved in about 20 joint investigation teams and 81 police operations with counterparts from EU countries and beyond,” said Hoxha, among other things.

/abcnews.al

Original post Here

News
Kurti Meets New EULEX Chief to Discuss Security and Cooperation

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti met today with Antero Lopes, the new head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). Kurti congratulated Lopes on his new position and wished him success during his mandate. The two officials discussed EULEX’s continued monitoring of Kosovo’s justice institutions and …

News
The Independent: Albania Among 10 European Countries Outside the EES System for 2026 Holidays

Albania is among 10 European countries that are not required to apply the new Entry/Exit System (EES) during the 2026 holiday season, British newspaper The Independent reports. Travel across Europe may become more complicated this year as the new biometric border system expands. The EES requires travelers to provide biometric …

News
Four wildfires remain active in Albania as situation improves, no threat to populated areas

TIRANA, August 19 – Albania has 6 wildfire hotspots, with 4 still active and 2 under monitoring, the Ministry of Defence said in an update at 14:00. Authorities have deployed 126 local operational personnel. The Armed Forces are supporting the response with 90 personnel and 2 Air Force helicopters. On …