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| Albanian special forces during a raid in Tirana, source: State Police |
In a groundbreaking two-day operation, the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) of Albania has unveiled a vast network of criminal activities, seizing a substantial haul of assets. The operation resulted in the confiscation of cash, firearms, armored vehicles, surveillance cameras, significant quantities of gold, and expensive jewelry, all valued at approximately 4.5 million euros.
According to SPAK, the operation was conducted as part of four criminal proceedings, revealing the involvement of seven highly organized criminal groups. These groups, with substantial power and extensive geographic reach, operated across several major cities in Albania, including Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Lezhë, Fushë Krujë, and Rrëshen. The prosecuting body has clarified that several attempted murders in Tirana, Krujë, and Burrel have been uncovered as a result of this operation.
A key highlight of the operation was the exposure of close collaboration between the group led by the notorious fugitive Ervis Martinaj and another criminal organization based in Lezhë, headed by former deputy Arben Ndoka. Additionally, it was revealed that Edison Reçi had ordered the execution of Preng Gjini.
SPAK also announced a significant breakthrough in solving the murder of Shkëlzen Kastrati, a 41-year-old who was killed in Fier in February 2021. The authorities have identified the perpetrators involved in Kastrati’s murder.
In total, SPAK has issued 50 arrest warrants. Of these, 14 were executed within Albania, while 6 were executed abroad: 2 in Italy, 1 in Germany, 1 in Spain, and 2 in Belgium.
The extensive operation, lasting over 20 hours, saw dozens of officers from the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) and numerous police officers raiding more than 50 properties. The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has ordered the detention of 50 suspects in connection with various criminal activities.