Police officers linked to Sky/EncroChat messaging: Europol list handed to Albania
Status: Investigations reported; no official police-specific count
Summary
Europol passed Albanian authorities a list of police officers allegedly linked, through Sky and EncroChat communications, to members of criminal groups. Interior Minister Taulant Balla said in 2023 that officers with access to such networks would be expelled and that SPAK was examining the data. Journalist Sokol Dema claimed about 70 police employees were under SPAK investigation, and MP Jorida Tabaku told a parliamentary committee that 70 senior State Police leaders were under investigation. SPAK's five-year statement lists 61 senior officials registered for corruption, 70 percent of whom were sent to trial, with no police-specific figure. The 70 figure is therefore an unofficial claim.
Key facts
- Europol list of police officers (Sky/EncroChat) delivered to Albania
- Claimed 70 police employees under investigation (journalist and MP claims)
- SPAK official statement: 61 senior officials registered for corruption (all sectors)
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- SPAK's public statement on 61 registered senior corruption officials (all sectors)
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationAbout 70 police staff under investigation (unofficial claim)
Allegations and who made them (1)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationPolice links to criminal groups via encrypted messaging (as reported)
Open questions (2)
- Official count of police officers named in the Europol list
- Outcomes
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- Minister Balla: officers with access to such networks would be expelled (2023, as reported)
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 3 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 1 source
- Publisher
- SPAK
- Date
- Dec 2024
Source label: UnverifiedUnverified · 2 sources
- Publisher
- Telegrafi
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja.com
- Date
- unknown