PUBLIC REPORT 2018 - HIGHLIGHTS

Core principles in the work of SHISH: President Lawfulness Objectivity Secrecy Prime Minister Head of Parliament SHISH activity is controlled by: Head National Security Parliament Commission Prime Minister (through General Inspector) Ministries and Prosecutor General institutions Internal Audit Authorized controls

Venting controls over the years:

Budget of SHISH 2015 2016 2017 2018 SHISH reports and sends informations to: Intelligence production 2018 over the years: 2017 2016 2016 2015 ALL 1,55 million 2017 National Security 2018 Annual Strategy priorities of Prime Law Minister of SHISH Processes Analyzes

Annual

Collects Disseminates Work Plan of SHISH

Inter institutional strategies annual report 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 A short presentation by the Director of SHISH 4 The Albanian State Intelligence Service 4 The history 8 Security system in the Republic of Albania 14 Management and control of SHISH 14 Organizational structure 15 Human resources 18 Budget 2018 19 Submission of former state security documents to the state archives 20 Developing IT&T capacities 21 Security situation in the Republic of Albania 21 Activities in the field of counterintelligence 22 Terrorism 23 Organized crime, trafficking of narcotics, corruption and crimes in economy 24 Information security 25 Political and security situation in the region 25 Foreign intelligence activities 25 Procedures of the intelligence and operative activity 26 Vetting control 27 Intelligence production of SHISH, 2016-2018 28 The oversight and control of shish 29 Domestic and foreign cooperation 30 Myths and facts 31 Social and humanitarian initiatives 32 A museum in SHISH 35 Public accountability 36 List of abbreviations PUBLIC REPORT 2018 4

A short presentation by the Director of SHISH

n my capacity as the Director of SHISH, gional developments, and their political and II have the pleasure to present the first security impact. The contribution of SHISH Public Annual Report, introducing briefly the to regional security has been highly appreciat- main directions of our job and the role of the ed by the political leadership of our country, Service, in protecting national security. our strategic partners and NATO intelligence I am confident that, the publication of the structures. first Annual Report will increase the public SHISH supports the commitment of the awareness and trust in our agency, the activi- Assembly and the Government of the Re- ties that we conduct and will have a positive public of Albania to conduct briefing ses- impact for national security. sions on issues related to national security, as In the accomplishment of its mission, well as the cooperation with law enforcement SHISH collects, processes and disseminates agencies. intelligence to high state authorities and law The Service does promote further consoli- enforcement agencies. In this first Public Re- dation of cooperation with foreign partner port we have chosen to present to the pub- intelligence services and agencies, primar- lic opinion what we deem necessary to be ily with the strategic and regional partners, known, without going into administrative or NATO and EU security and intelligence operational details. structures, in facing the joint threats. Our duties consist of timely collection and It is not easy to discuss publicly about us. transmission of intelligence, the provision of One has to maintain the balance of high re- objective and unbiased assessments so that sponsibility, classification of its activities and the political decision-makers can make deci- the obligation for transparency, operational sions, being well informed, and using profes- security, improvement of the image and sional intelligence analysis. opening up to the public opinion for a quali- We believe that the most valuable assets of tative change and transparency towards our the Service are its employees, who work with tax payers. dedication and sacrifices to meet the objec- As the Director of SHISH, I would like to tives. We seek the best from them, by pro- assure the public that we are committed to moting team work, high professional qualities conduct our activities with seriousness and and standards, loyalty to the Service and to professionalism in the highest respect for the each other. Constitution, fundamental freedoms and hu- 2018 has been a very successful year for the man rights. Service. I am proud to say that the Service Our employees are on a daily basis engaged has continued to present valuable informa- to the protection of national security and to tion to the decision-makers and law enforce- the interests of our fellow citizens. We mod- ment agencies. The substantial contribution ernize continuously the work methods to be of SHISH in facing threats to national secu- more effective in a dynamic and complicated rity is highly appreciated by the highest state security environment. institutions and strategic allies. I would like to reassure you that the un- Foreign, non-friendly intelligence servic- shakable trust and high expectations of our es and agencies conducting their activities political and institutional leadership and in- against the national interests of Albania and ternational partners will be materialized in our allies, international terrorism, organized qualitative and concrete results. crime and corruption remain the main threats Thank You! to Albania, for the period covered in this First Annual Report. Helidon Bendo SHISH has followed the dynamics of re- Director of State Intelligence Service the AlbaniaN STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

THE HISTORY

The creation of the Albanian Secret the new Albanian state, etc. Under those his- Intelligence Service by the Government torical circumstances and in the interest of of Vlora in 1912 preserving and protecting the borders of the new Albanian state, the government decided ith the beginning of the Second Bal- to establish The National Army and The Se- Wkan War, the foreign armies of the cret Service. Balkan Alliance had invaded most of the The newly formed government and the country’s territory. The newly formed govern- Prime Minister Ismail Qemali recognized ment was facing enormous challenges related the importance of establishing a secret intel- to the social and political circumstances of ligence structure, vital for the survival of the the time, such as the fall of the Ottoman Em- new state in those critical times. The objec- pire, Balkan War, definition of the borders of tive was to gather information on the politi-

Decision of Establishment of the Secret Service

December 17, 1912 STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 7 cal, military, moral and economic situation in the cover of the diplomatic missions abroad, the occupied territories, to take accurate deci- by creating a network of human intelligence sions and guide the internal and foreign poli- sources that operated according to the mecha- cies. nism: consular office, diplomatic mission and The Albanian state started to conduct spe- prefecture. During this period, various politi- cial intelligence activities, right in the first days cal clans and forces, driven by certain politi- following the Declaration of Independence, cal objectives and agendas, some with foreign on 28 November 1912. On 17 December support provoked internal unrest, organized 1912, the Albanian government, under the plots, murders, armed insurgencies etc. aim- chairmanship of the Prime Minister Ismail ing to destabilize the country and undermine Qemali, mandated “The establishment of a national security. secret service in the occupied territories of Al- bania”.The achievement of this mission was State Security Organs 1944 - 1991 entrusted to Lef Nosi and Bajram Curri. The government assigned to the newly estab- Right after the Second World War, during lished service the task to collect information 1944-1945, the Albanian State paid special care with special focus in the occupied territories. to the establishment of the Organs of State The purpose of intelligence collection opera- Security (Sigurimi). These were the following tion was to create a full picture of the situation organs of the Military Intelligence Service, a in the ground, military operations of the in- structure set up during the National Libera- vading armies, organization and mobilization tion War. Initially, in 1945, the Directorate for of the local population for the liberation of the Protection of the People was established, the occupied areas and the establishment of a unit composed of the secret service, police the state authority all over the territory. and border protection forces, all incorporated The Albanian Secret Service continued to in the Ministry of Defense. carry on its intelligence activities, also during In 1946, the Directorate of State Security and after the the First World War, under the was established. With the restructuring of short reign of Prince Wied. 1966, the State Security was reorganized in three main directorates: Consolidation of the Albanian Secret Service • The First Directorate of Counterintelligence under the Government of Ahmet Zogu with its units in the headquarters and in the field stations, covering and operating all over On 21 January 1920, the National Congress the territory of the country. of Lushnja constituted the High Council, • The Second Directorate, known as the direc- sanctioned the division of powers into Legis- torate for the Protection of the Leadership, lative, Executive and Judiciary and established whose mission was the phy- the Ministry of Interior. On 24 December sical protection and overall 1921, Ahmet Zogu was appointed Minister of security measures for Interior. He reorganized the Ministry of Inte- the protection of rior and established the Secret Section. Haki the entire Stermilli was appointed the head of the Secret leadership Section. The Al- of the country, banian intelligence at the state and structures took a local level. more important in- • The stitutional role dur- Third ing this period and Direc- were called “The torate, Secret Office”. At known also the central level, as the “political the activities were foreign intelligence”. run by the Secret Its main mission was Office whereas at to collect intelligence the local level by the Prefecture, who had es- abroad. tablished a special structure for “restricted/ All the above confidential issues”. With further consolida- mentioned units tion of the Albanian state Institutions, special were centralized importance was given to the establishment of and dependent to the Foreign Intelligence Service, located at the Vice Minister of Internal Affairs. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign The State Security was part of the Armed Intelligence Service organized its work under Forces of the Republic of Albania. State Se- PUBLIC REPORT 2018 8 curity Organs performed their activities based lic of Albania. SHIK was established as an on the Politburo Platform, not regulated by independent organization, and as such has law. Priorities, objectives, goals and fields of been subject of continuous organizational activity were decided by the communist lead- and structural reforms. ership of the country. This period resulted in In 1998, with Law no. 8391, date 28.10.1998, serious violations of human rights and funda- the The Assembly of the Republic of Alba- mental freedoms, violation of the laws and the nia, decided: politicization of the intelligence structures. Article 1 National Intelligence Service (SHIK) is an Reform of the Albanian State Intelligence intelligence service responsible for national Services from 1991 and onwards security, which operates in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the Repub- After 1990, with the establishment of the lic of Albania. By virtue of this law, SHIK democratic system in our country, the State is transformed from an operational targeting Security Organs (Sigurimi) were reformed, and tracking/investigative service into an in- adapting to the new demands, new security telligence service with no executive powers. environment, and in compliance with the In 1999, upon the Decision nr. 61, date rule of law. The goal was to reform the se- 22.11.1999, of the Constitutional Court of cret services, to establish a non-political and Albania, the National Intelligence Service professional organization. Subsequently, in (SHIK) changed its name into State Intel- 1991, Law No.7495, date 02 July 1991, “On ligence Service, (referred to in Albanian as the organization of the National Intelligence SHISH). Service” (hereinafter SHIK), was passed and The ongoing reorganization and restruc- SHIK was established. The mission and the turing of the Albanian state intelligence ser- legal tasks of the service were the identifica- vices has been a continuous process since the tion, prevention and disruption of any anti- 1990s, and is carried out in close cooperation constitutional activity that violated freedom, with the strategic partner agencies, by inte- independence, defense capacities, territorial grating and implementing the best practices integrity and national property of the Repub- in the field of intelligence.

The Seal of State Intelligence Service

he Seal of SHISH was approved by the circular form, reflects the intelligence cycle of TOrder of the Prime Minister of Alba- planning, directing, collecting, analyzing and nia, No.171, date 03 August 2006, “For the disseminating the intelligence, in a profession- Approval and Use of the Seal of the al way. The crystal at the center of the State Intelligence Service”. Seal symbolizes sharpness The Seal is designed in of thought and the final the medallion genre, intelligence product. At in classical circular the bottom is the ins- form, with basoreli- cription SHISH, sup- ef and altorelief ported by a laurel levels. It is com- crown which sym- posed of the bolizes braveness double headed and glory. Its inter- eagle, taken from nal elements have the national flag silver and gold and it symbolizes color. The center strength, wisdom of the Seal, which and vision for the is at the same time the future. The golden background of all its ele- ellipse, conceived as ments has a dark Parisian a formal abstraction in blue color. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 9

KEY EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF ALBANIAN SECRET SEVICES

17. 12. 1912 The Albanian gov- ernment and the Prime Minister Ismail Qemali decided “The es- tablishment of a secret service to operate in the occupied terri- tories of Albania”. 21.01.1920 The Congress of Lushnja decided the establish- ment of the Ministry of Interior. 24.12.1921 Ahmet Zogu is ap- pointed Minister of Internal Af- fairs. He reorganized the Min- istry of Interior and established the Secret Section. Haki Stermilli was appointed the head of the Secret Section. 1922-1939 The Secret Ser- vice changed its name to Secret Office and was organized at the central and local government January 1927 Establishment levels. of the Foreign Intelligence Ser- vice which conducts operations abroad under diplomatic cover. 1944-1991 State Security Organs are established and started to con- duct their activities. In 1966, there were structural and hierarchical changes. State Security was reor- ganized into three main Directorates 02.07.1991 Law No.7495 “On in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. the Organization of the Na- tional Intelligence Service”,was passed. SHIK was created. 28.10.1998 With Law No.8391, the Assembly of the Republic of Albania decided that: SHIK is an intelligence service responsible for national se- curity, which operates in compliance 22.11.1999 Upon the Decision with the Constitution and the laws of nr.61, date 22.11.1999, of the Con- the Republic of Albania. stitutional Court of Albania, the Na- tional Intelligence Service (SHIK) changed its name into State Intel- ligence Service (SHISH). PUBLIC REPORT 2018 10

SECURITY SYSTEM IN THE RepubliC OF ALBANIA

Structures of National Security on the Constitution, laws and obligations aris- ing from international agreements, ratified by ational Security Strategy (hereinaf- the Assembly. NSS advises the President on Nter NSS) is the fundamental planning issues of defense and security, management, document for the national security of the Re- organization and mobilization of human and public of Albania. The main institutional re- material resources, in the interest of national sponsibilities for the implementation of the defense and security. NSS fall under the Council of Ministers, its The Director of SHISH is a member of the subordinate institutions and relevant minis- NSS, headed by the President of the Republic tries. To perform his duties in the field of na- and of the CNSP, headed by the Prime Min- tional security, thePrime Minister is supported ister of Albania. by the Committee of National Security Poli- The Director and Deputy Director of the cies (hereinafter CNSP). CNSP is an advisory service are appointed and dismissed by the body to the Prime Minister. Its organization, President of the Republic, upon the proposal composition and duties are defined by the de- of the Prime Minister. cision of the Council of Ministers. The Prime SHISH informs and reports to: Minister submits to the Parliament and the The President of the Republic President of the Republic of Albania an an- The Prime Minister of Albania nual report, on the security situation of the Speaker of the Assembly country and progress made regarding the An- Chairman of the Parliamentary Security nual Security Directive. Committee NSS serves as an advisory body to the Presi- Other Ministries and governmental agen- dent. The NSS carries out its activities based cies, when necessary and deemed appropriate. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 11

Role of SHISH informs and reports to the President and to the Prime Minister, on issues related to na- The fundamental role of SHISH is the tional security. The activities of the Service protection of National Security, integrity, in- are guided by the NSS and Annual Priorities, dependence and constitutional order. State (hereinafter AP) defined by the Prime Min- Intelligence Service (SHISH) is a central intel- ister of Albania. SHISH cooperates and ex- ligence body. As such, the NSS of the Repub- changes information internally and externally lic of Albania assigns SHISH “a fundamental with other state institutions and foreign agen- preemptive, preventive and disruptive role” cies, in the accomplishment of its tasks stipu- against threats to national security. SHISH lated by the law.

Legal Framework

SHISH exercises its activities based on: • Law No.8471, date 21.10.1998, “Constitution of the Republic of Albania”, revised. • Law No.8391, date 28.10.1998, “Law on the National Intelligence Service”, revised. • Law No.8457, date 11.02.1999, “On Classified Information “State Secret”, revised. • Law No.9357, date 17.03.2005, “On the Status of the Employee of the State Intelligence Service”, revised. • Law No.103/2014, “For the Approval of the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Albania”. • Law No.9157, date 04.12.2003 “On the Interception of Telecommunications”, revised by Law No.9885, date 03.03.2008, revisedby Law no.10 172, date 22.10.2009, revised by Law no.116, date 13.12.2012. • Procedures drafted and presented by the Director of SHISH and approved by Prosecutor General of the Republic of Albania.

Relevant and important for national security

Necessary for the senior SHISH plans political leadership and oth- and directs the er state bodies collection, proces- sing, analysis, produ- ction and dissemina- tion of intelligen Needful for other state bod- ce that is: ies to make decisions in the interest of national security

Indispensable for the law enforcement agencies to take actions PUBLIC REPORT 2018 12

Main Tasks SHISH performs foreign intelligence and counterintelligence tasks, in the following main directions: • Collects foreign intelligence that serves the national interests. • Conducts counterintelligence activities for the protection of national integrity, independence and constitutional order. • Collects intelligence on: - Terrorism. - Production and trafficking of narcotics. - Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. - Crimes against environment. - Organized crime that affects national security etc.

Lawfulness, objectivity, secrecy and the respect for fundamental To accomplish SHISH collects, the above mentio- processes, analyses human rights and freedoms ned duties, SHISH and disseminates are the basic principles conducts technical intelligence which is in the activity of and administrative objective and indepen- support activities, main- dent of political consid- the Service. tains the right balance erations, according to its between the need to legal mandate. acquire the relevant intel- ligence and the respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights.

Principles SHISH exercises its Use of the above activities abiding by the mentioned procedures procedures approved by are prohibited to be the Prosecutor General, applied for the members which stipulate methods of the Parliament without of acquiring intelligence, prior written authoriza- use of physical and electronic tion by the Speaker of the means, protection of sources Parliament and for the of information from SHISH is a depoliticised members of the Coun- unauthorized access, intelligence body, it does not cil of Ministers without collection of intelli- conduct military or police activities, prior written autho- gence on individuals protects the security of its activity, rization by the Prime assessed as sources information, employees and property Minister. of information. by appropriate means, including the veri- fication and qualification of candidates, employees, contractors, etc. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 13

Fields of activity 29.04.1999. Its primary mission is the protec- tion of national security, integrity, indepen- SHISH conducts its intelligence work and dence and constitutional order of the Republic operations, in accordance with the Constitu- of Albania. Prime Minister defines the AP of tion and the other na- SHISH at the beginning tional legal framework, of each calendar year. based on Law No.8391, • Law of SHISH. They provide guidance date 28.10.1998, “For • NSS. for planning and direc- the National Intelli- • AP of the Prime Minister. tion of the activities of gence Service”, revised • Annual Work Plan of SHISH. the Service during the by Law No. 8479, date • Inter institutional strategies. year.

1. Foreign Intelligence activities consist of collection of intel- ligence on risks and threats from abroad, affecting national security, which may come in the forms of terrorism, attempts FOREIGN to overthrow the constitutional order, threats to national in- INTELLIGENCE tegrity and independence, organized crime, illegal trafficking, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, crimes against environment etc. 2. Counterintelligence activities consist of collection of intelligence on risks and threats identified inside the coun- try, affecting national security, coming in forms of espionage, terrorist activi- ties, attempts to overthrow the con- COUNTER stitutional order, threats to national INTELLIGENCE integrity and independence, organized crime, illegal trafficking, prolifera- tion of weapons of mass destruction, crimes against environment etc.

3. Analysis is the organized pro- cess of evaluat- ing, processing, integrating in- AnalYSIS formation and data, coming from foreign in- telligence and counterintel- 1 2 ligence (from 3 all sources), the preparation of final intelligence product for dis- semination to high state au- thorities and law enforcement agencies. PUBLIC REPORT 2018 14

SHISH uses the following methods to collect intelligence relevant to national security: 1. Human Intelligence (HUMINT). 2. Open Source Intelligence (hereinafter OSINT). 3. Technological Sources.

Human Sources (Human Intelligence) Human intelligence consists of intelligence infor- mation, collected through interpersonal contacts with human assets. A wide range of information can be collected through this method, such as data, expertise and knowledge for certain fields.

Open Source Intelligence Intelligence collected from publicly available data, both physical and electronic sources, such as: Daily media, press, periodicals, Internet, television, radio, different archives, publications and researches, pub- licly available official information, statistics, academic studies, registrars of state institutions and private en- tities, maps, sketches, notes, data bases, etc.

Technical Intelligence

Technical Intelligence sources include information collected from electronic transmissions, commu- nications between two or more people, via satellite and aerial photography, by quantitative and qualita- tive analysis of data and Internet.

DRITAN - Physical Surveillance Unit

I work in SHISH, in the surveillance unit. My work has to do with the surveillance of persons of opera- tional interest to SHISH, but without being noticed or recognized by them. Patience and self-restraint are fundamental conditions for success in this task. It is a special, exciting and unpredictable job, that requires the ability to blend in the surrounding environment. You have to be prepared for long hours of waiting for the target to show up or for immediate response, depending on the circumstances. You need to know how to keep calm, to be focused and professional. Often my job does not have a fixed schedule, while teamwork is essential for success. Giving my contri- bution to the security of society is my motivation. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 15

AGRON – Case Officer

I am Agron, a case officer in the State Intelligence Service. My job is to collect information. It is a com- plex job, not an easy one. You have to be a subject matter expert, you must have patience and show at- tention to details. As a case officer, I talk to a lot of different people and listen to their arguments. My job requires to be self-restrained, unbiased and open to the ideas and thoughts of the others. There are not fixed working hours. Case officers have to be flexible. The intelligence information I collect is further evalu- ated and processed by the analysts, put in the context and bigger picture, of threats to national security. My job contributes to security for the entire society. MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL of SHISH

organizatiONAL STRUCTURE

egardless of the techno- During 2018, SHISH was work. Women compose over Rlogical progress in every subject of restructuring in 25% of SHISH workforce. field of life, the importance line with the current and fu- The percentage of women in of the human factor for suc- ture developments, modern- high positions has increased cess at work in the intelligence ization and the fulfillment of and SHISH will continue to agencies has not diminished. ambitious projects, that will promote the role of women The quality of SHISH’s work further increase the quality in the field of security and depends, to a large extent, on of operational and analytical intelligence. the skills and knowledge of its professionals. The nature of SHISH’s work requires indi- viduals with different profes- sional backgrounds. Not only because of the na- ture of the work that we do, but also because of the risks associated with it, SHISH is obliged to protect the iden- tity of its employees. SHISH structure and organization is proposed by the Director of SHISH and approved by the Prime Minister. On the right there is a sim- plified chart of it. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 17

HUMAN RESOURCES

Working in SHISH is a great responsibility live in. Working in SHISH requires certain and, above all, an “intellectual” challenge. It parameters of character and professional- is required to bring intelligence to the service ism, accompanied by the passion to discover to solve complex problems, to think out of the truth and only the truth. For this reason, the box and break internal barriers, in order SHISH employees are regarded as precious to understand the ever-changing reality we assets, not just as machine gears.

Employment with SHISH SHISH employees are recruited based on a) Personal request; the needs for vacancies and in line with em- b) CV (including the exact address of the ployment plansand strategies. SHISH receives residence and the telephone number); job applications throughout the year, by indi- c) Photocopy of the ID card; vidual candidates, but it also cooperates with d) Family certificate; other organizations to fulfill its needs. Usually, e) Notarized copy of the University diplo- once a year, an employment plan based on the ma and transcript; applicants’ names is drafted. The admission f) Medical-legal report; procedures in SHISH are based on Law 9357, g) Certification by the Court of the respec- dated 17.03.2005 “On the Status of Employ- tive district; ees of SHISH”, revised, as well as in the in- h) Certification from the Prosecutor of the ternal normative acts, adopted by the Director respective district; of State Intelligence Service. i) Certification from the Execution Office Admission with open competition in SHISH of the respective district; is made through the announcement of the va- j) Foreign Language Certificate from the cancy and is published in two national news- Foreign Languages Faculties; papers with the largest circulation, at least k) Certificate for the recognition and use of 30 days before the date of the competition. the computer, if any; Acceptance goes through the stages of re- l) Training certificates in the relevant areas, viewing and preliminary verification of docu- if any; mentation, written and oral interview testing. m) References by previous employers, if Applicants interested to work in SHISH, after any; the announcement on the official website of n) Employment record book, if any; SHISH and in the newspapers, must submit o) 6x4 document photos, 4 pieces; the following documentation: p) Photos 9x12, 2 pieces. PUBLIC REPORT 2018 18

Schematic presentation of new employment for 2018

The above documentation is delivered by to come to SHISH HQ to complete and mail at the SHISH Information Office in sign the Self-declaration/Employment Ap- Tirana or district field stations, within the plication/Security Verification Requirement announced deadline. The competition pro- Forms. After reviewing this documentation, cedure goes through several phases. Firstly, the winning applicant is notified by the Hu- selection is made based on the documents, man Resources Management Unit. which consists in verifying whether the The winning applicant, who fulfills the candidates meet the general and specific security conditions, is subject to a basic requirements laid down in the announce- training course for case officers provided ment. In the second phase, written testing by SHISH. Upon successful completion of takes place. Then, the oral interview of the the training course, the trainee of SHISH, candidates selected in the second phase is in the graduation ceremony carries out the conducted. Upon completion of the test, solemn oath act, according to the approved the Service requests the winning applicant formula. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 19

OATH “I do solemnly swear that I will serve faithfully and honestly to the Republic of Albania in strengthening national security, that I will act in compliance with the Constitution and the laws, that I will carry out with responsibility and professionalism the tasks assigned, that I will protect the secrets and will be loyal to the State Intelligence Service in fulfilling its mission. I swear!”

Employement After the employment order issued by the 28.10.1998 “On the National Intelligence Ser- Director of SHISH, the newly hired employee vice”, amended. is appointed in the vacant position available. -Authorization in compliance with article He/she is granted Status of SHISH Employee, no.10/2, Article 41/2 of the Law no.9367, with all the rights, obligations and duties de- date 07.04.2005 “On Prevention of Conflict riving from the Law no.9357, date 17.03.2005 of Interest in Exercise of Public Functions”, “On the Status of the Employee of SHISH”. amended. The newly hired SHISH employee should -Fill out the Form “On Self-Declaration/ complete all the necessary documents, re- Decriminalization”, in compliance with Law quired by Human Resources as following: no.138/2015 “On Guaranteeing the Integrity -Statement “On the Protection the Classi- of the Individuals Elected, Nominated to Ex- fied Information” in compliance with Law ercise Public Functions”. no.8457, date 11.02.1999 “On Classified In- The newly hired employee is subject to 1 formation “State Secret”, amended. (one) year test period, starting on the day of his -Statement “Of Non-Adherence” (non- nomination. During this period, the employee affiliation) to political parties, in compliance is under the mentorship of a senior supervisor, with article 16 of Law no.9357 date 17.03.2005 in compliance of the Article 7, Law no.9357, “On the Status of SHISH Employee”, date 17.03.2005, “On the Status of the Em- amended, Article 11, of the Law no.8391 date ployee of SHISH”.

Education and training Education and training is an important pri- SHISH does pay special attention to the basic ority for SHISH. This process is conducted and continuous on job training of its employ- through training programs provided by the ees. Service and in cooperation with other aca- SHISH, in cooperation with universities has demic or governmental institutions. There determined as a target spotting and recruiting are also training programs developed abroad, individuals, who bring on board new energies, provided by partner intelligence and security qualifications, added values and the future gen- services, always in accordance with the needs eration of our intelligence community. In order and fields of SHISH activity. to face the challenges of our time, it is necessary The capability to understand the substance to build bridges and a strategic alliance between of intelligence business is a result of experi- the community of intelligence and the academic ence and continuous professional growth. It world. The salary of SHISH employee is in ac- is necessary to be loyal and to present facts, to cordance with the Decision of the Council of separate them from opinions and interpreta- Ministers no. 432, dated 13.07.2007, revised. For tions. Distorted intelligence information may further information on the rights and obliga- influence the high authorities in formulating tions of SHISH employee, you may visit SHISH a policy or taking a decision. For that reason, website www.shish.gov.al. 20

he factual budget of State Intelligence gence activities and operations from disclo- TService for 2017 has been nearly 1.477 sure. Budget is part of the total of the opera- million ALL. This value is approximately tions conducted by the service and therefore 238.8 million ALL more than in 2013, while requires protection for operational and se- for 2018 the budget is nearly 1,548.1 million curity considerations. Its elements (financing ALL or 71.1 million higher than the budget and procurement) might expose means, pro- expenditure in 2017. In the chart below are cured equipment, providers having a negative shown the tendencies of budget execution impact in the accomplishment of its mission. from 2013 up to 2018. Budget execution from 2013 to 2018 is shown in the chart below:

As it is shown in the chart, the budgetary As it is shown in the chart, the increased trend is on the rise, meeting the higher finan- trend of investments expenses is evident cial requirements of the service, in response up to 2015. Starting from 2017 up to 2021 to more sophisticated activities that affect na- (planned budget), the investments stands al- tional security. Every year, most of SHISH budget is spent for personnel salaries, social most at the same levels. The factual expens- and health insurance with a decreasing trend es in these years are focused on purchasing by 1% every year. Data regarding the budget, information technology equipment, aiming material and financial operations of SHISH to modernize technology, operative techni- are confidential, in order to protect intelli- cal devices and vehicles. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 21

Submission of former state security documents to the state archives

n July 2017, This submission ISHISH submit- is done in compli- ted to the Authority ance with: for Information on Law no. 45/2015 Documents of the “On the Right to Former State Secu- Information on rity (AIDFSS) the the Former State entire archive fund Security Docu- belonging to the pe- ments of the riod 29 November People’s Socialist 1944 to 2 July 1991, Republic of Alba- despite the storage- nia”; date in the archive. Council of This archive fund Ministers Deci- contains files of sion no. 98, dated persons or cases, 13.02.2017, “For files of special im- the definition of portance, agent transfer proce- files, other operative dures under the files, various regis- administration of tration books, reg- the Authority for isters, records, sta- Information on tistics, index cards, Documents of the books, studies, re- Former State Se- search materials etc. curity of the archi- SHISH has carried val material of the out a voluminous former State Secu- work on the categorization of these materials. rity (Sigurimi), located in the Ministry of De- The extent of these efforts is illustrated by the fense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, State In- fact that over 100 dossiers, over 52 000 files telligence Service other public authorities”; and over 5 400 fascicles have been submitted Joint Order on Submission of Former to the relevant authority. Each dossier has its State Security Documentation (June 2017) own files and each file is divided into volumes. between SHISH and Authority for Informa- tion on Documents of the Former State Security. Submission is part of SHISH’s efforts to make this valuable ar- chive material available to re- searchers and publishers, in order to better understand this historical period. Consultation with these materials is done accor- ding to the rules for classified materials and the protec- tion of per- sonal data. DEVELOPING IT&T CAPACITIES he quick evolution of information tech- is paid to the security of these infrastructures, Tnology & telecommunications systems through coherent methods and technologies (IT&T) as well as the exploitation of cyber- for the protection of the perimeters and pre- space in general brings about the need for a vention of any disaster caused by negligence quicker approach by any institution or orga- or cybercrimes/attacks. nization, using the extraordinary opportuni- At the same time, a particular interest is ties that these systems offer. To accomplish paid to the development of human resources this duty, every organization needs to develop to adapt them timely and qualitatively to the capacities in this field. The development of technological changes, to the improvement capacities in IT&T is mainly separated in two of current technologies as well as reduction main pillars: of consultation costs for the development 1. Development of infrastructure capacities, and protection of IT&T infrastructure. meaning adaptation, implementation, integra- The in-house developments, the increas- tion and update of technologies which use ing use/modification of open source- soft contemporary platforms and systems. wares as well as the rigorous implementation 2. Development of HR capacities, as the of security policies and procedures in place, most important aspect in building a full and related to the IT&T infrastructure ensures consistent IT&T framework. continuous technological development, re- During the recent years, SHISH has under- quiring minimum investments and offering a taken concrete steps to improve the IT&T in- minimal risk. For this reason, the IT&T staff frastructureapplying a coherent approach to- in SHISH is required continuous professional wards IT&T infrastructure, by development to be updated with the techno- successfully implementing the logical innovations and their application in best practices in this field. the Service, according to the AMARP prin- Furthermore, particular attention ciple (as much as reasonably practicable).

ALMA – IT Specialist

I graduated in information technology and I had five years of experience in this field. I wanted to further develop professionally, therefore I applied at SHISH when vacancies were announced. I was called very soon for an interview, and after the procedures and background checks were conduct- ed, in accordance with personnel security rules, I was offered a suitable job position. The employ- ment in SHISH gave me the opportunity to further develop my professional knowledge and capabili- ties. The particular nature of the job motivates me and I like having the opportunity to be part of the challenging projects, together with my colleagues. SECURITY SITUATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA

ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF COUNTERINTELLIGENCE

onitoring the activities and opera- ods. Their main interest is the collection of Mtions of non-friendly security and information on internal and external develop- intelligence agencies is a major priority of ments, Euro-Atlantic integration processes, SHISH. Albania is a target country for politi- the dynamics in bilateral and regional rela- cal, economic and geostrategic reasons. After tions, confidential and classified information, the membership in NATO and progress in etc. They aim to hinder Euro-Atlantic integra- the European Union integration processes, tion processes, undermine cohesion between Albania is an increased target of interest. In the allied nations, and increase the sensitivity addition to protecting national classified in- of specific target audiences by attepting to formation, Albania is also responsible for present the Euro-Atlantic alliance as a mili- the protection of classified information of tary threat. We have noticed attempts to col- NATO and other international organizations. lect classified information, influence opera- SHISH assesses that the activities of non- tions, use of cyber space, online propaganda friendly foreign intelligence are continuous, or disinformation in favor of their strategic constant, and tend to increase, through a objectives. combination of classical and hybrid meth- SHISH is constantly working to moni- PUBLIC REPORT 2018 24 tor these activities, using counterintelligence awareness among individuals and officials methods, verifying and helping to raise the who have access to classified information.

TERRORISM

errorism is global threat and the war clared Caliphate, reduction of financial and Tagainst it is a major priority for SHISH. human resources, ISIS/DAESH has already We assess that ISIS/DAESH, Al-Qaeda, its started the strategy of transforming itself affiliates and networks are among the terror- into a clandestine movement, posing a threat ist groups that pose a potential threat to our to international security. country, to the region and beyond. SHISH assesses that massive returns of SHISH works closely with the state author- Foreign Terrorist Fighters (hereinafter FTF) ities, law enforcement agencies and partner are not expected in the near future. Some of services to monitor and prevent such activi- FTF will try to return to the countries of ties, in the country and abroad. SHISH is also origin, or in third countries, using human focused in monitoring the indoctrination and trafficking and organized crime networks. radicalization attempts to recruit Albanian Most likely, the organization will try to reor- nationals in such organizations. ganize and reestablish in areas with security After the military pressure, fall of self-de- vacuum.

Terrorist threat to our country and the region

With the beginning of the conflict in Syria, creased substantially after 2015 and now are the Western Balkan countries (hereinafter reduced to interruption. Number of FTF WB) were used as fertile ground to recruit killed has increased to 21% out of the to- foreign fighters. ISIS/DAESH and Al-Qaeda tal number of FTF. One third of FTF have have consistently targeted the region through returned to the country, mainly prior to the propaganda, calls and plans to commit acts legal changes and criminalization of the phe- of terror. The current situation has improved, nomenon. In general, Returnees have kept a the countries of the region have strengthened low profile, but some of them have found the their security and counter terrorism measures, same living conditions, have become more implemented effective strategies, undertaken radicalized and active in the pursuit of ex- legal reforms and increased regional and in- tremist acivities and part of disrupted terror- ternational cooperation. ist plots. The threat level to our region is assessed to We assess that, the risk of the use our re- be low, with a risin trend on the eve of big gion as a transit point by FTF or terrorist symbolic events. There have been no coor- operatives to European countries is low, due dinated terrorist attacks on our soil or in the to better border management, the reinforce- region, involving human and material casulat- ment of security measures and the intensifi- ies. However, there have been many attempts cation of bilateral, regional and international that have found an appropriate environment intelligence cooperation. Threats remain con- and radicalized individuals, ready to respond. stant, due to identification difficulties, the use Plans to carry out terrorist attacks have been of forged documents and the possibility of identified and neutralized at an early stage. crossing the borders illegally, with the support Travels of FTF from Albania have de- of human trafficking networks. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 25

Countermeasures

The criminalization and prosecution of fense Intelligence and Security Agency (here- FTF, legal changes in the Criminal Code, inafter DISA) and other law enforcement have proven effective, reducing radicaliza- agencies. SHISH has provided and contin- tion and recruitment in our country and the ues to provide an appreciated contribution region. Countries of the region have joined for the North Atlantic Alliance, in the war The Global Coalition against ISIS/DAESH, against terrorism. put in place a comprehensive legal framework, Addressing the causes of radicalization by criminalizing terrorist activities and actively leading to violent extremism and terrorism, implementing UNSC Resolution No.2187. the government of Albania has adopted and Bilateral, regional and multilateral exchange implemented “The Strategy against Violent of information and cooperation have in- Extremism”, with the aim of having a whole creased considerably. Joint police operations society approach. have also taken place, resulting in the arrest SHISH also monitors individuals and of individuals suspected of involvement in groups who carry out extremist, nationalis- terrorist activities. and the identification, cap- tic and chauvinistic activities, to the extent ture and detention of internationally wanted that they violate the Constitution and the terrorists. laws of the Republic of Albania, or call for The ongoing goal of SHISH is to provide violence based on ideological religious, po- objective assessments on short, mid and long- litical, racial or national grounds. SHISH is term terrorist threats as well as enhanced co- focused on the activities of like-minded or- operation with other state agencies. To this ganizations operating in the region, which end, SHISH has strengthened its cooperation pose a threat to national and regional secu- with the State Police, Prosecutor’s Office, De- rity.

ORGANIZED CRIME, TRAFFICKING OF NARCOTICS, CORRUPTION AND CRIMES IN ECONOMY he fight against organized crime,- or the criminal groups operating in the country. Tganizations, groups and individuals Thanks to the contribution of SHISH at implicated in the organized crime activities the Task Force “Force of Law”, successful in general and in the area of cultivation, pro- operations are carried out, putting an end to duction and drug trafficking in particular, is the illegal activities of criminal groups. Tar- major priority for the Government and law geting, prosecution and disruption of crimi- enforcement agencies. As such, it is one of nal activities is accompanied by the identifi- the main priorities and a target of SHISH, cation and confiscation of illegal properties because of its negative impact on economy, and monetary assets, generated by criminal social conditions and national security. Our activities. Service also works closely with the partner SHISH also collects information on illicit intelligence services. trade and trafficking of arms, ammunition SHISH assesses that these criminal struc- and explosives as well as on the activities tures are aggressive, tend to expand their ac- of individuals or organizations involved tivities and adapt to the situations, in order in their production, trafficking and use for to avoid increased security measures taken by criminal or terrorist purposes. Illegal migra- the law enforcement agencies. They use tech- tion and human trafficking are also targets nology, encrypted communications, falsified of the Service activities. documents and different identities. SHISH SHISH collects information, works close- is represented at the Inter-Institutional Task ly together and supports the relevant state Force “Force of Law”, set up to crack down bodies and law enforcement agencies, in PUBLIC REPORT 2018 26

the fight against corruption and economic evasion, having a significant impact on the crime. The activity of SHISH in this area fo- economy. The Service is also focused on cuses on the negative phenomena of corrup- the activities of groups and organizations tion in high levels of the judicial system and involved in money laundering and cleaning the public administration, large tax and fiscal of criminal products.

INFORMATION SECURIY

HISH has access, administers and trans- and other international organizations classi- Smits classified information in classified fied information from the non-friendly for- networks, which can be target of special eign intelligence/security services, terrorist intelligence services, criminal, terrorist and cyber-attacks, thefts, damages, compromise, organized crime groups, etc. Cyber threats loss, destruction, access by unauthorized/ and attacks to information systems are be- non-certified persons, as well as attempts coming more complex and require a profes- from unauthorized individuals who want sional and timely response, through capacity to have access beyond the “need to know” building, increased cooperation with other principle and level of the Personal Security state institutions and a continuous training Clearance. of specialists. • Electronic security, aiming to pre- Current technological developments and vent interventions of unauthorized indi- digital communications are exploited by viduals in security zones and environments, state and non-state actors to undertake cy- where national “State Secret”, NATO, EU ber-attacks, cyber espionage, gather intelli- and other international organizations classi- gence in the political, economic, military and fied information is stored and processed, as technological field, to strengthen the propa- well as the establishment of devices and sys- ganda, to send messages to their supporters, tems of electronic security, with the inten- coordinate their activities and enable terror- tion to discover and prevent activities that ist operations in the field. threaten the security of classified informa- In cooperation with the Albanian Na- tion. tional Security Authority (hereinafter NSA) • Technological development has en- (DSCI-Directorate for the Security of Clas- abled administration of classified informa- sified Information) and other state institu- tion in computing systems and its safe trans- tions, SHISH contributes to the: mission via classified and certified networks. • Physical security of classified infor- SHISH safeguards the administration and mation, through the implementation of a se- transmission of classified information in its ries of physical, technical, electronic and pro- classified networks. cedural measures for the protection of the • The vetting of individuals, who have zones, buildings, offices and devices, where access and administer classified information, it is administered and transmitted national in public and non-public institutions. information classified as “State Secret”, • Set up of capacities for timely moni- NATO, EU and other international organi- toring and informing on cyber threats and zations classified information. Physical secu- groups, individuals and organizations that rity measures aim to protect national classi- use cyber space for activities that threaten fied “State Secret” information, NATO, EU the national security. POLITICAL AND SECURITY SITUATION IN THE REGION

Foreign Intelligence Activites he Western Balkan countries generally structures. Objections have been raised by some Tshare common geo-political interests regional actors, trying to preserve the current and have undertaken a number of reforms status quo. This is due to the narrow political aimed at further consolidating democratic interests inspired or encouraged by ethnic-na- societies, market economies, the rule of law tionalistic organizations, or third-party actors, in and meeting the criteria for integration in the promoting their geo-strategic interests and the Euro-Atlantic structures. The substitution of presentation of other alternatives to the Euro- the old dynamics of disintegration with the Atlantic integration. new dynamics of Euro-Atlantic integration, Membership of Albania and other coun- remains a challenge for building a safe and triesof the region in NATO and the European integrated region. integration processes have broadened the basis Despite attempts to solve the legacy inher- for strengthening security and stability in our ited over the years in bilateral and regional rela- country and in the region. tions, different problems have endangered re- SHISH closely monitors political and security gional stability and have become an obstacle in developments that may affect national security, the process of membership in Euro-Atlantic regional stability and security.

Procedures of the Intelligence and Operative Activity

SHISH is an intelligence agency. It does evant to national security, SHISH uses the tech- not have executive powers/competencies and niques of: Physical Control, Electronic Control, does not conduct military or police activities. Postal Control, Telecommunication Intercep- SHISH has the legal right to collect informa- tion and Recording. tion, implementing the procedures approved In implementing the abovementioned proce- dures, SHISH carries out its activities guided by the Prosecutor General. by the principle of lawfulness, principle of ob- 1. SHISH collects information from human jectivity and it maintains a fair balance between assets inside and outside the territory of the the need to gather the necessary information Republic of Albania. for national security and the respect for human 2. To gather the necessary information, rel- rights and fundamental freedoms. PUBLIC REPORT 2018 28

Interception of electronic communications Interception of electronic communications investigative tasks and activities. is based on Law 9157, dated 4.12.2003 (re- 4. The approval/rejection of the request for vised by law 9885, date 3.3.2008, by law no. the interception of electronic communications 10/172, date 22.10.2009, revised by law 116, is carried out by the Prosecutor General, or his date 13.12.2012, revised by law 60/2017, date authorized prosecutor. 27.4.2017). 5. With the establishment of the Court of Ap- 1. The law defines the procedures followed peal against Corruption and Organized Crime, for the interception of electronic communica- the request for interception is submitted to the tions by state intelligence institutions, as well President of the Court of Appeal against Cor- as the procedures to be followed by persons ruption and Organized Crime. charged with the duty of interception. 6. The granting of the right of interception, 2. The basic principles for the interception after the review of the written request is ap- of electronic communications are respect for proved or rejected by the President of the human rights and fundamental freedoms, ne- Court of Appeal against Corruption and Orga- cessity and proportionality, confidentiality and nized Crime or the Vice President. objectivity. 7. No citizen in the Republic of Albania can be 3. No public institution, legally entitled to subject to interception of electronic communi- request the interception of communications cations without the approval of the Prosecutor may submit such requests for cases or activi- General and the President of the Court of Ap- ties not defined by law, as the subject of their- peal against Corruption and Organized Crime. VETTING CONTROL etting is the process of performing a to personal data therefore a transparent pro- Vbackground check on individuals and cedure is in place, regulated in conformity with their qualifications prior to the employment special laws. with an institution or company. Vetting is a In 2018, a total of ____ vetting requests have verification procedure that identifies- secu been administered by SHISH, prior to the issue rity problems for individuals potentially deal- Personal Security Clearance (hereinafter PSC, ing with confidential information. It helps a document issued by NSA for persons who strengthening the security of institutions or need to know classified information, at differ- companies, by preventing certain individuals to ent levels of classification). These requests are have access to sensitive data or to be appointed submitted to SHISH from a number of dif- in positions where they pose a security risk. ferent institutions. Based on the information The procedure is carried out by authorized collected, SHISH has developed 3588 prac- intelligence, security and law enforcement tices and in some cases it has given negative agencies, including SHISH, prior to the issue responses for 2018. of the Personal Security Clearance, by National The following chart presents these activities Security Agency. Security Vetting is structured for the last four years. according to NATO and EU standards and best home practices. Vetting involves access 2015 1704 practices have been drafted with ap- proximately 3130 applicants for Personnel Se- curity Clearance (PSC). 2016 1466 practices were developed with approxi- mately 4900 applicants for Personnel Security Clearance (PSC). 2017 3308 practices have been developed with about 4898 applicants for Personnel Security Clearance (PSC). 2018 3588 practices were developed with approxi- mately 5000 applicants for Personnel Security Clearance (PSC). STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 29

INTELLIGENCE PRODUCTION OF SHISH FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2018

or 2016, SHISH has produced and dis- the Republic, Prime Minister of Albania and Fseminated a total os 2944 intelligence the Chairman of the Assembly. information for the internal and external - 274 intelligence information for the line customers. Ministries. For internal customers, the intelligence - 1060 for the Investigation and Law En- product has been delivered to: forcement Agencies. - 378 intelli- For 2018, gence infor- SHISH has mation for the produced President of and dissemi- the Republic, nated a total Prime Minister os 3601 intel- of Albania and ligence infor- the Chairman mation for of the Assem- the internal bly. and external - 289 intelli- customers. gence informa- For inter- tion for the line nal custom- Ministries. ers, the in- - 826 for telligence the Investiga- product has tion and Law been deliv- Enforcement ered to: Agencies. Percentage of intelligence product dissemination - 521 intel- in 2018, for internal customers ligence infor- For 2017, mation for SHISH has the President produced and of the Re- disseminated public, Prime a total os 3146 Minister of intelligence in- Albania and formation for the Chair- the internal and man of the external cus- Assembly. tomers. - 302 intel- For internal ligence infor- customers, the mation for intelligence the line Min- product has istries. been delivered - 1099 for to: the Investiga- - 267 intel- tion and Law ligence infor- Enforcement mation for the Chart showing trend of intelligence product Agencies. President of dissemination for internal customers PUBLIC REPORT 2018 30

THE OVERSIGHT AND CONTROL OF SHISH SHISH is subject to external and internal oversight and control over lawfulness of its activities, bud- get, financial expenditure and application of the procedures approved by the Prosecutor General.

The external control of SHISH The external oversight and control of SHISH is exercised by three entities: the Assembly of the Republic of Albania, the Prime Minister, the Prosecutor General.

Parliamentary Oversight Control exercised by the Prime The control by the Prosecutor Pursuant to Law no. Minister. 8391, dated 28.10.1998, The Prime Minister exer- General “On the National In- cises control of SHISH This control is conduct- telligence Service”, re- through the General In- ed over the lawfulness in vised, the oversight of spector. The General In- the implementation of the activities of SHISH spector is appointed by is exercised by the parlia- specific procedures ap- the Prime Minister and is proved by the Prosecu- mentary Subcommittee directly subordinated to of the National Security the Director of SHISH. torGeneral. Committee, on behalf of The General Inspector SHISH is also controlled the Assembly. Based on has the right to conduct by the Ombudsman and the Constitution of the inspections and exercise the State Supreme Audit. Republic of Albania, the controls over the law- Director of the Service fulness of intelligence reports to the parliamen- activities, over financial tary subcommittee peri- expenditures for special odically or whenever the operational activities of subcommittee deems it the service. necessary.

The internal control of SHISH SHISH has its own internal control mechanisms used for the implementation of legal obligations, from the highest to the lowest level.

Authorized controls Upon the completion Financial control The Director of SHISH has This control is conducted the right to authorize the ex- of the controls, in ac- by the internal audit unit, ercise of controls in the struc- cordance with the pro- in implementation of Law tural units of SHISH. The cedures determined no. 114/2015, “On the in- Director authorizes ad hoc by Law no. 9357, date ternal audit in the public groups/individuals to exercise sector”. The mission of controls in the structural units 13.07.2005, “On the sta- internal audit is to check of SHISH, for various issues, tus of the employee of the financial manage- he deems necessary. the State Intelligence ment, provide reasonable The principles of internal con- Service”, disciplinary trol are: assurance to the Head of - The principle of lawfulness; measures might be given the Service, independent- - The principle of the periodic- to the SHISH employees, ly and objectively, as well ity of controls; in accordance with the le- as advice on improving - The principle of on the spot the activity and effective- controls; gal framework. ness of the internal con- - The principle of recogniz- trol system. ing and rejecting/opposing the outcome based on evidence and facts. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 31

DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN COOPERATION

or the accomplishment of its mission, and regional security, SHISH collects, pro- FSHISH cooperates with other state in- cesses, analyses and disseminates intelligence stitutions and law enforcement agencies, at for the decision making authorities and coop- home and abroad. SHISH cooperates with erates with intelligence and security structures General Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of In- of NATO, the EU and their member states. terior, General Directorate of the State Police, SHISH, as the primary intelligence and se- Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Min- curity organization of Albania, in the context istry of Finance, The High Inspectorate of of national, regional and a wider security has Declaration and Audit of Assets and Conflict established bilateral and multilateral relations of Interests, State Supreme Audit, Defense In- with many foreign intelligence agencies and telligence and Security Agency, etc. Upon the security services. SHISH cooperates with order of the Prime Minister, the Director of these services at different levels, from ex- SHISH is a member of the Inter-Institutional change of information, analyses and expertise Committees or State Committees, while rep- to joint operational activities. resentatives of SHISH are members of the Cooperation is mainly established with the inter-institutional working groups. intelligence services of EU and NATO coun- tries, with regional and other intelligence ser- International cooperation vices, in the framework of mutual benefits and reciprocity. Globalization, dynamics of current and fu- SHISH is an active contributor to the ture developments, continuous changes in the NATO Civilian Intelligence Committee security environment, have made necessary (NATO/CIC), and to the NATO Intelligence the coordination and cooperation between the Production Unit (NATO/IPU). intelligence and security partner services. The levels of cooperation with foreign in- In order to have a fuller and more profes- telligence services/agencies are approved by sional intelligence picture of the current and the Prime Minister. future security challenges, SHISH cooperates Bilateral cooperation is developed via joint at different levels with the partner services. meetings, bilateral agreements, staff training, Given the international character of such exchange of mutual visits, as well as informa- phenomena as terrorism, violent extremism, tion sharing and joint operations. organized crime, complex development of With the aim of enhancing the bilateral re- technology and communications, cybersecu- lations, SHISH has attached liaison officers rity, freedom of movement, strengthening the in some foreign countries, whose duty is to regional stability, activities of hostile intelli- strengthen the relations with the intelligence gence services against our country and NATO, services where they are accredited. etc., no country alone can take measures and SHISH is also a member of various multi- counter them effectively without international lateral security formats and initiatives, either cooperation. regional or international, such as “SEEIC”, The membership of Albania in NATO, the “MEC”, “Adria Club”, etc., where it is dis- EU accession process, regional security and cussed and exchanged expertise, on the se- stability, have increased the responsibility and curity challenges and issues. SHISH attends expanded the fields of activities of SHISH. various international platforms which discuss The valuable contribution as a NATO mem- and treat different intelligence and security is- ber, commitments and tasks in the framework sues. of EU membership are very important factors Given the approach taken in the region, in the context of Euro-Atlantic integration as SHISH has played and continuous to play a well as in strengthening national defense and constructive role in regional stability and has security. continuously received positive feedback by To prevent risks and threats against national the partner services. Of course, we have all seen movies with secret agents and intelligence organizations, conducting complicated intelligence operations and using strange, sate of the art technical devices hidden in the vehicles, clothes and sometimes even under the skin. But, are these real? Do all the employees of secret services have superhuman capabilities like in the movies, do they live in anonymity not being able to meet their relatives, and do they use such sophisticated devices? Some films and books introduce a fictitious, non-real picture of intelligence services, one of them being SHISH. Even though these descriptions are used for entertainment, sometimes they have helped in the creation of myths. Let’s have a look at some of them:

Fact: Often, secret agents in the movies are described with extraordinary powers, e.g., Myth: You they endure electric shocks, escape from dangerous situations in a few seconds, use have to be martial arts etc. To be hired in SHISH, you do not need to have superhuman capabili- superhuman ties, nor to know the martial arts. Our employees should have the ability to make sound for working at judgments and take decisions, should be committed to respect the laws and serve the secret services. country. Our job is to collect and analyze information, to monitor and assess the situa- tion internally and abroad, at the political, economic and technological levels

Myth: You should be Fact: In fact, here we face a partial truth. The films show a variety of able to use state of the art devices, but a SHISH officer does not necessarily need to top secret know and use them. For example, an analyst does not need such a device devices. to write a good intelligence report.

Myth: You cannot be part Fact: Only because you have watched in the movies that agents can speak of SHISH if fluently rare languages, does not mean that this is a precondition for being you do not employed in SHISH. Of course, knowing a foreign languages has its own know at least priorities, just like in any other job position. one foreign language.

Myth: If Fact: The work we do is secret, but our life does not have to be secret. Most you work at of our employees work at the headquarters, where there is a wide range of SHISH, you professional backgrounds, just like in the public administration. We have IT should reduce specialists, lawyers, economists, analysts and other logistic personnel, inter the commu- alia. Everybody can talk, associate or befriend as much as he/she desires with nication with their colleagues, friends and families and this is part of the daily life routine your family for all of us. and friends.

Fact: As a matter of fact, SHISH employees can use social media. It’s just Myth: You that we have some rules and procedures in place to protect both our employ- cannot use ees, and the reputation of the service. You can make friends in social net- social media works, follow the daily developments and arts, “like” friends, but not during if you work at the working hours. SHISH. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 33

SOCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVES

Albanian State Intelligence port initiatives and activities, manitarian activities among Service is not separated from at a local level and wider. The the employees and gives val- the social and public life of ones who have benefited the ue to these efforts, by offer- the country. SHISH has re- generous support offered by ing time and resources to the sponded positively to calls SHISH, are individuals and people in need. During 2018, and has been frequently in- public institutions. SHISH two major activities of this volved in humanitarian sup- promotes voluntary and hu- nature are worth mentioning.

for future initiatives trying to build up a new social dimension of the intelligence commu- nity. The representatives of the Albanian Red Cross expressed their highest considerations and thankfulness for SHISH employees of and their support, in the light of the “Volun- tary blood donation – A human and civic act” program. The other initiative was supporting the orphan children on the occa- sion of the end of the year holidays. The material assistance In June, Albanian State Intelligence Ser- provided to these vice joined the initiative of Albanian Red children, in the Cross, for voluntary blood donation, under public institu- the slogan “Voluntary blood donation – A tions, serves in human and civic act”. Assisted by the Red a way to en- Cross structures, SHISH employees, do- able this nated blood for solving an important issue, community such as the lack of sufficient and safe blood to develop in our hospitals, demonstrating support and fully and humanism for the children affected by thal- feel part assemia. The senior leadership of SHISH of an has shown their promptness to continue the educat- cooperation with the Albanian Red Cross ed and

valued generation, capable of contri- buting to the country’s progress and social development. Our employees provided contri- butions to the orphan children of Orphanage “Hana & Rozafa” in Tirana. The General Director of the State Social Service thanked our institution through a special letter, assuring us that our contribution will help in building a better future for these children. PUBLIC REPORT 2018 34

A MUSEUM IN SHISH

s of December 2018, in SHISH Head- this important part of the Albanian state ac- Aquarters Building there is a mini muse- tivities. There are unclassified documents and um, inaugurated on the occasion of 106-th an- historical materials on display, generally over niversary of the creation of the Service. The the last 50-60 years. They help to make the museum is built in a circular hall, whose shape difference in methods and equipment of work symbolizes the circulation/flow of informa- between different periods. Although modest, tion, echoing the official Seal of the Service. the Service hopes that this mini-museum will It is intended to exhibit several decades of be enriched and become part of the cultural equipment and activities, but also to inspire assets of our country. and educate new employees or visitors, with STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 35 PUBLIC REPORT 2018 36

A NEW YEAR’S PARTY FOR KIDS

Among SHISH employees, there are many young parents and so, we decided to have a New Year’s Party for kids in Decem- ber. The aim was not only to give our employees’ kids presents, but to keep the holiday in-house, so that the kids could have a great time and see where their moms and dads work. And, to make them feel fes- tive, we invited Snow White and a clown too, because no New Year’s party would be complete without a little humor. It was a fun time for both kids and adults, with plenty of games and tricks performed by the professional actors At the end of the day, our New Year’s party was a great success, because all had lots of fun. STATE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE 37

PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

he public opinion has shown partic- reports produced regularly by the intelli- Tular interest in topics related to the gence and security services of the demo- activity of the State Intelligence Service. cratic countries. SHISH has also a public The public wants to know more about address and the official website, which can the activities. It is our duty to raise public be consulted by everyone. The perfor- awareness about our responsibilities and mance of SHISH has also been appreci- powers. However, ated by the the Freedom of President of Information Act the Republic, does not apply who awarded to classified in- SHISH the formation. For “Golden Eagle” this reason, public relations of SHISH medal, upon are a challenge. On the motivation: one hand, the service “On the work, must protect the efforts, sacrifi- confidentiality of its ces and continu- activities and opera- ous 25-years-old tions and, on the achievements other, respond to the of the State public’s need for Intelligence authentic information Service, in ac- on security challenges. complishing its The Service strives to legal obligations be as close to the public with bravery, as it can and participates consistency, in civil society activities and engagements, loyalty, com- scientific forums, and mitment and university seminars. self-denial; for This public report, strengthening which contains uncla- the security of ssified information, the country the situation in our and the safety country and the region of its citizens, is one of the ways as well as for to familiarize the guaranteeing public with our work. the success This is the first of economic, public report. social, liberal Comments from and democratic the public opinion and experts are development welcome. It is of our similar to the country...”. PUBLIC REPORT 2018 38

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AIDSSH – Authority for the Information on the Documents of former State Security Directorate ALL - Albanian Lek CTF– Centralized Task Force DCM – Decision of the Council of Ministers DISA – Defense Intelligence and Security Agency DSCI – Directorate for the Security of Classified Information EU - European Union FTF – Foreign Terrorist Fighter ILDKPKI – The High Inspectorate of Declaration and Audit of Assets and Conflict of Interests ISIS-DAESH – Islamic State of Iraq and Syria IT&T – Information Technology and Telecommunications KLSH – Supreme State Audit MEC – Middle European Conference MOI – Ministry of Interior NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO/CIC – NATO Civilian Intelligence Committee NATO/IPU – NATO Intelligence Production Unit NGO – Non-Governmental organization NSPC –National Security Policies’ Committee PSC – Personnel Security Clearance Certificate SC – Security Council SEEIC – South Eastern European Intelligence Conference SHIK – National Intelligence Service SHISH – State Intelligence Service UNO – United Nations Organization WB - Western Balkans

This document is property of SHISH. It is published to inform the general public on the activities of SHISH, and on the challenges and threats our country is facing. The docu- ment is public, and can be found in an electronic format at website www.shish.gov.al. The text and pictures can be used for research and information purposes, creditting the original source.

Contact: Tel: Email: [email protected] Postal address: Rruga “Kongresi i Manastirit” www.shish.gov.al

TIRANA - 2019 DIRECTORS OF ALBANIAN INTELLIGENCE SERVICE This is the first public report of the Albanian State Intelligence Ser- vice. It contains unclassified information on SHISH activities, the situation in our country and the region. It is published to inform the general public on the activities of SHISH, and on the chal- lenges and threats our country is facing. It is similar to the reports produced regularly by the intelligence and security services of the democratic countries. This document is property of SHISH. The document is public, and can be found in an electronic format at website www.shish.gov.al. The text and pictures can be used for research and information purposes, creditting the original source. Comments from the public opinion and experts are welcome.