They left Albania with the first waves of exodus; now they kill for money Albanian killers across Europe Tirana cooperates A detective tells the story For the capture of the killers and the deeds of the "tough guys" TIRANA - Foreign criminal organizations have "imported" contract killers from Albania to use them for settling scores. Young people from various cities across the country have been involved in criminal attacks in Milan, and since then the phenomenon has increasingly become established as a criminal activity. In recent times, the orders have mainly come from wanted persons or criminal organizations that have exploited young people with high payments. According to police data, several people who were involved in these criminal activities have recently returned to the country. TIRANA - Smokers [?] are kept under constant watch. Police leaders explain that for the past 7-8 years this phenomenon has also appeared in Albania. Last year's violent crime, bank robberies and attacks have shown that a distinct category of people is emerging who are used for executions. According to specialists, many young people from peripheral areas have entered Italian and Albanian criminal networks. TIRANA - Investigative materials mention cases in which people drawn into the world of crime are paid to kill specific individuals. Usually, the payment for one execution is between 5,000 and 15,000 dollars, while in special cases it goes much higher. There have been cases where a contract killer has also been used for wounding someone or for intimidating opponents. TIRANA - Heavy-crime specialists have stated that in recent years Albania has also become a transit country for weapons, while criminal networks exploit former members of various forces who know how to use weapons and move around easily. Many of them have links to clandestine migration. TIRANA - Bomb placements, executions with firearms, remote-controlled attacks and armed robberies have entered the repertoire of organized crime. Investigators say cooperation with foreign police has brought important information, but the perpetrators often move quickly from one country to another. TIRANA - [bottom of column text not fully legible] [...]

The law changes TIRANA - According to official sources, the new draft law includes provisions for protecting the identity of informants and witnesses who help the police in uncovering crimes. Sources from the Ministry of Interior say that a legal package is being prepared to strengthen the fight against organized crime. For the first time there will be special protection for people who provide information. The new law provides penalties for those who reveal the identity of police collaborators. The draft also includes measures to help investigations into criminal groups and to increase the responsibility of law-enforcement structures. On page 3

For the Vejshime tragedy [?] TIRANA - PD [claims] that it has secured documents and signatures implicating former SHIK structures in serious events. In a press statement, opposition representatives called for the documents to be made public and broadcast on television. According to them, Albanians should know who is responsible for the tragedies that occurred. TIRANA - PD stresses that it will present these documents to the relevant institutions and will request a full investigation. Its representatives describe this as proof of the involvement of earlier structures in criminal and political events. On page 9

ELBASAN Mëkatrugjiku [?] escapes from [something] serious [?] On page 5

TIR The Prefect's students: They must protect us On page 5

DURRËS Mariza Lino promises help for the city On page 5

VLORË Police arrest 27 clandestine migrants On page 6

SMUGGLING A series of measures at the border On page 9

"Is there hope for me?" On Sunday on "TVSH", 12.00 On page 7 PROBLEMS IN THE CAPITAL CITY COUNCIL Kola and Minga at the flag celebration [?]

Kola's anger: In Tirana has fallen an atomic bomb On page 11 Kola and Minga at the flag celebration [?]

LIALBAS Sh.p.k. Rr. Asim Vokshi, building [A?], stairway [A?], floor [3?], Tiranë Tel. [42 2655?] G.R. MACHINERY The well-known Italian company for workshops, auto service, tires, water pumps, etc. Wholesale sale in the Durrës market Opposite the factory entrance [?] THE LAST THREAD OF TELE-BINGO Starting this week at "Rimi Magazina" and "Mik-Bingoo Housefit" [?] state assistant [?] Mag.-Bingo one LUXURY CAR OF THE YEAR 1998 SUPER APARTMENT IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL For every three series of goods worth 60, 180, and 300 lek as well as Mini-Bingo worth 4,000 lek, you will be entered every Sunday in the above-mentioned prize draw. Schedule Cars and bags, evaporators, compressors, work tools, office cleaners, work tables, tire shop, shed, craftsman. The company offers its customers new products soon (opposite the entrance of the plant [?])