Organized Crime in the Field of Real Estate and its Connection to Money Laundering: A Perspective from Kosovo

Abstract

The phenomenon of organized crime within the real estate sector is a critical aspect of economic criminal behavior, characterized by illicit activities that take advantage of the complexities in real estate transactions and legal frameworks. One particularly dangerous manifestation of this crime is money laundering, wherein illegal funds are funneled into the legitimate economy, leading to substantial economic and societal repercussions such as market distortion and diminished trust in institutions. The Republic of Kosovo is not immune from such issues, as it is faced with organized crime related to real estate and money laundering. This article investigates the connection between organized crime and money laundering in the real estate field from a criminological perspective. Employing established criminological research methods, including a literature review and qualitative assessments, it aims to analyze the characteristics and dynamics of organized crime within this context. A key highlight is the structured operation of organized crime groups in the real estate sector, where each member has specified roles and responsibilities, demonstrating a complex criminal structure. The consequences of these activities extend beyond undermining the real estate sector, causing harm to individuals, communities, and the broader economy. Efforts to prevent and combat these crimes in Kosovo are grounded in national criminal legislation and require coordinated action among various institutions, particularly the Special Prosecution and the Financial Intelligence Unit.

Received: 20 February 2026  │  Accepted: 10 June 2026  │  Published: 23 July 2026