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DP: Pyramid schemes rob Albanians of their savings, supported by Rama and the government

2025-09-06 21:49:00, Politikë CNA

DP: Pyramid schemes rob Albanians of their savings, supported by Rama and the

The Democratic Party reacted this Saturday regarding several pyramid schemes rumored to be defrauding citizens online.

In a statement to the media, member of the justice department in the Democratic Party, Alvi Musaraj, stated that these schemes threaten the life savings and security of Albanians.

Musaraj charged that these fraudulent schemes cannot develop without support and tolerance from state structures.

Full statement:

Recent events in several cities of the country, where thousands of citizens have been defrauded through pyramid schemes, clearly show that Albanians are at risk from a criminal phenomenon that threatens life savings and security. These fraudulent platforms, presented as investments or quick profit opportunities, have so far caused financial damage to citizens exceeding 5 million dollars and involving 6 thousand 'victims'.
The Democratic Party notes and condemns the lack of clear provisions in the Draft Criminal Code presented by the Minister of Justice. The draft shows serious shortcomings regarding the definition and differentiation of this crime, by not offering clear preventive provisions and punitive measures applied in EU countries. This legal gap not only weakens the fight against criminal phenomena, but also shows the lack of political will of the government to punish the perpetrators and protect citizens.
The Democratic Party, relying on the best European legal standards, proposes concrete changes to the Criminal Code.
First, a distinction should be made between basic pyramid schemes – where profit comes only from recruiting new participants and not from selling real products or services – and complex pyramid schemes, which are disguised as investments or financial funds.
For these cases, the DP proposes:
Fines of 100,000 to 600,000 euros for organizers and promoters;
Closure of fraudulent businesses, seizure of promotional materials and exclusion from public tenders;
Imprisonment of up to 8 years in cases where the fraud involves savings, investments or public funds;
Imprisonment of up to 9 years when we are dealing with structured criminal organizations that manage these schemes.
Second, in cases where pyramid schemes affect public funds, subsidies or state financing, the penalties should be even more severe, including imprisonment of 1 to 6 years and a permanent ban on benefiting from such funds.
Third, victims of these frauds should be treated with priority and a fair compensation process should be guaranteed, by seizing and returning the assets obtained in a criminal manner.
These fraudulent schemes cannot develop without support and tolerance from state structures. The government's silence and inaction endangers citizens and encourages fraudsters.
The Democratic Party calls for a harsh crackdown on the real owners of these fraudulent platforms./CNA