Investigators have documented the use of foreign exchange offices in Albania to move drug money, either in crypto or via a centuries-old, trust-based system called Hawala. The area is known as Dollari – a narrow row of currency exchanges opposite Albania’s central bank in downtown Tirana. Here, cash is king, …

“We work here as psychotherapists, you know. You have to know their problems at work, conflicts with their wife, their dreams,” says Branko*. “You talk to them about how long they work, what they plan to do with the money, what their children do and what school they go to. …

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his campaign to expand Turkey’s influence across the Middle East. Last week, he wrapped up a rapid tour of Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, aiming to secure trade, investment, energy, and defense deals. But beyond commercial agreements, Erdogan’s top priority was to rally Arab backing for …