John Simpson, Crime Correspondent

Cashpoints that allow bitcoin users to convert the currency and withdraw money have been flagged as vulnerable to money launderingBENOIT TESSIER/REUTERS

Albanian gangs have grown increasingly sophisticated and begun laundering their funds using cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, Britain’s leading organised crime officer has said.

Peter Goodman said that tackling the “Albanian problem” was among the priorities for law enforcement in his first interview as head of organised crime for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Mr Goodman, the chief constable of Derbyshire, told The Times that the fight against the groups was hampered by the economic instability and widespread corruption in the western Balkans. “They are increasingly organised and spreading out from London. They are increasingly sophisticated in terms of how they are cashing out [from their drugs operations],” he said.

“I’m aware of some intelligence that they are using…