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SPAK head's visit to the US/ VanHorn gives details: Dumani was there to discuss how we fight crime together

2025-09-10 15:04:00, Aktualitet CNA

SPAK head's visit to the US/ VanHorn gives details: Dumani was there to

The US Charge d'Affaires in Albania, Nancy VanHorn, was present at the OSCE conference "The Linkage between Illicit Drug Trafficking and Violent Crime: Recent National and Regional Trends and Threats".

During her speech, VanHorn also touched on the partnership with SPAK, which she said is built on trust and commitment. VanHorn said that through the partnership between SPAK and the US Department of Justice, the Special Prosecution Office targets criminals in Albania and South America.

She further stated that SPAK addresses another aspect, illegal finances and money laundering.

Also during her speech, she focused on the election of the head of SPAK and the head of BKH, for whom she said that the US awaits their election with integrity.

“ Our partnership with SPAK, built on a foundation of trust and engagement with our Department of Justice, demonstrates the impact of effective collaboration. Through this partnership, SPAK targets criminals here and in South America. A July investigation led to the criminal indictment of 16 suspects and the seizure of six tons of drugs worth 411 million euros. Last month, SPAK dismantled groups trafficking over 32 tons of cocaine from South America to Europe.

SPAK’s work also addresses another aspect of organized crime and drug trafficking: illicit finance and money laundering. The vast amounts of illicit proceeds laundered across this region undermine real economic growth. These efforts strengthen Albania’s security. They also help us combat the cartels on America’s doorstep that weaken our border, flood communities with drugs, and contribute to illegal immigration into our country.

Special Counsel Dumani was recently in Washington to discuss with our leadership how we fight crime together here and in the United States. However, the law enforcement partnership between our Department of Justice and SPAK was not built overnight. Together, we must protect what we have built.

SPAK is only as effective as its independence in pursuing criminals, regardless of who they are affiliated with. SPAK is also subject to the laws of Albania. Based on the law, Mr. Dumani, no matter how effective he has been, will be replaced, because his mandate has ended. The process of selecting Mr. Dumani’s successor must be impartial, transparent and free from external influences.

Those who wish to see Albania continue the fight against crime and corruption, including international partners, are very interested in this process and will follow it closely.

"The United States expects integrity in the selection of the new Special Counsel; just as we expect integrity in the selection of the next Director of the BKH ," VanHorn told CNA .