Criminal
The Criminal Code with SPAK and dedicated anti-corruption courts
The Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure govern offences and process. The justice reform created SPAK, a special prosecution structure, and specialised courts for corruption and organised crime.
Key rules
- SPAK and the specialised courts have exclusive jurisdiction over high-level corruption and organised crime.
- The prosecutor directs the investigation, with judicial authorisation for coercive measures.
- Plea and cooperation agreements are available in defined circumstances.
Governing law
- Criminal Code (Kodi Penal)
- Code of Criminal Procedure (Kodi i Procedurës Penale)
Penalties and consequences
- Imprisonment, including life imprisonment for the gravest offences.
- Fines, suspended sentences, probation and asset confiscation.
In practice
Non-conviction-based confiscation of unexplained assets is a distinctive and heavily used tool in Albanian anti-corruption practice.