Tirana's skyline has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last several years, characterized by the rapid rise of numerous high-rise towers. This aggressive vertical expansion has turned the Albanian capital into a city defined by concrete and speculation. However, the boom has raised serious concerns regarding the origins of the funding used for these projects. Critics suggest that the construction surge may be driven by a need to hide "dirty money" rather than genuine market demand. This criminal political economy is viewed as a potential risk to the stability of the Albanian state. The phenomenon is being compared to the country's previous pyramid schemes due to its opaque nature. Consequently, the city's growth serves as a visible expression of a problematic new political economy.