The OSCE Presence in Albania organized a two-day training entitled "Tax investigations for financial crimes" on 11 - 12 March 2026 in Tirana. The activity brought together 20 representatives from the Directorate of Tax Investigation and aimed to strengthen institutional capacities to detect, investigate and analyse financial crimes linked to tax evasion and illicit financial activities.
The training was facilitated by Croatian independent financial investigator Ivan Špiranec, who shared extensive practical experience from his work with the Croatian Tax Administration, particularly in handling complex financial investigations.
The programme provided a structured overview of investigative methodologies and practices, combining theoretical guidance with practical case-based discussions. Participants examined comparative practices from Croatia, approaches to investigating complex tax and financial crimes, and mechanisms for effective inter-institutional co-operation, especially in cross-border VAT fraud cases. The training also addressed preparation of financial investigation reports for prosecutorial authorities and explored emerging challenges related to the digital economy, including crypto-assets and online payment systems.
Opening the event, senior representatives of the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Directorate of Tax Investigation highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional capacities to address increasingly sophisticated financial crimes and underlined the value of international expertise and regional exchange in improving investigative practices.
The training concluded with a comprehensive discussion on adapting regional experiences and best practices to the Albanian institutional context. Participants reflected on key lessons learned and identified practical measures to enhance ongoing investigative work, as well as areas requiring further institutional capacity development.
This initiative provided a platform for professional exchange and practical learning, contributing to stronger investigative capacities within the Directorate of Tax Investigation and supporting broader efforts to prevent and investigate financial crime in Albania.
