Balkans are no longer a hotbed of crime, UN report says

"Albania has the worst crime problem in the region and remains the "soft underbelly" of the Balkans for organized crime", Costa said.

Published: May 29, 2008
BELGRADE: The Balkans, once known as a hotbed of crime and violence amid wars in Yugoslavia and the transition from communism, have become one of the safest areas in Europe, a United Nations report said Thursday.

But organized crime and its links to politicians and business continue to pose serious challenges in several Balkan countries, said Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which compiled the report.

more: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/29/europe/balkans.php