Author: Karol Bieńkowski
Date: 20-21.03.2025
WG4 Workshop: 20-21 March 2025, Tirana, Albania “Data-science based solutions to illicit trade practices”
On 20th and 21th of March 2025 in Tirana, on faculty of economy, University of Tirana was held Workshop entitled “Data-science based solutions to illicit trade practices”. The workshop was organized within the framework of Workgroup 4 of GLITTS team. The host of the event was prof. Besa Shahini who is an expert in trade and economic policy.
The event brought together researchers, academics, and professionals from across Europe to discuss how data science, AI, and big data analytics can be used to detect and prevent various forms of illicit trade.
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks by Kozeta Sevrani, Deputy Dean of the Faculty and Besa Shahini. The first session explored machine learning and AI applications, with presentations ranging from image manipulation detection in ID documents to strategies for combating counterfeit pharmaceuticals using data analytics. These talks sparked an engaging discussion, particularly around how to apply these technologies in complex, real-world environments.
The second session turned to the role of big data in risk assessment. Edlira Martiri spoke about managing IT risks in supply chains using third-party risk management approaches. Karol Bieńkowski shared insights from Poland’s efforts to fight illicit trade using data-driven methods. Participants discussed the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and private sectors when building such systems.
In the afternoon, a series of talks brought together themes from earlier sessions. Arlind Hajdari and Anita Guga presented a compelling case for using deep learning and GANs to distinguish between AI-generated and authentic product images, especially relevant in the age of digital marketplaces. Majlinda Keta and Oriana Osmani added a local perspective, examining the interplay between digitalization, the education system, and illicit practices in Albania.
Day two focused more on the human and social impact of illicit trade. Umberto Di Maggio spoke about using computational social science to improve data quality in the fight against human trafficking. Noemia Bessa Vilela highlighted the potential of OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) while carefully addressing legal and ethical concerns. Brisejda Ramaj wrapped up the session with a presentation on how big data is reshaping management accounting.
The workshop closed with a wrap-up discussion and plans for collaborative publications. It was not only a deep dive into data-science tools but also a platform for building future partnerships aimed at combatting one of the world’s most persistent challenges: illicit trade.
