The increased cases of wildlife crime, the technicalities of referring them to state agencies, and the reaction from state agencies were discussed today at the second meeting of the Consultative Group against Environmental Crime, organized by the OSCE Presence and REC Albania. The Presence-initiated Consultative Group consists of 18 members from civil society, academia and media.
The Presence invited an official from the Albanian State Police, Head of the Anti-Crime Sector for Assets Josif Shtëmbari to explain to the Consultative Group the Police actions against environmental crime and the recent changes related to the environmental crime in the competences of the Inspectorate for Territorial Management and Environment.
The OSCE Presence in Albania is committed to provide support to Albanian authorities to address environmental crimes from various angles including the civil society co-operation with the academic community, increased capacities of local authorities, and co-ordination of law enforcement authorities.