The decryption of conversations on applications “SKY ECC” and “ENCRO CHAT” has led Albania's Special Anti-Corruption Court (SPAK) to issue 43 arrest warrants linked to various criminal activities, including murders, international drug trafficking, and disappearances. Early this morning, SPAK launched a widespread operation across several cities, including Tirana, Durres, Vlora, Lezha, Shkodra, and Kruja, Euronews reports.
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| Some of the arrested Albanian crime figures |
High-Profile Arrests
Among those targeted are notable figures in Albania's criminal underworld. Warrants have been issued for the Bami brothers, Valtër and Durim, who are frequently accused of orchestrating, financing, or participating in serious crimes. Similar actions have been taken against the Duka brothers, Erlis and Leonard, implicated in illegal gambling operations, the murder of police officer Santiago Malko, and international drug trafficking.
SPAK also conducted raids in Shijak, targeting the base of the Avdylaj brothers, Astrit and Altin. These individuals are suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and murder.
Notable Suspects
A warrant has also been issued for Fatmir Hyseni, known as Doçja, previously sought for two assassination attempts. One target was Santiago Malko, a former associate of Ervis Martinaj, and the other was Inez Hajrrulla in Vlora, a loyalist of the late Edison Harizaj.
Endrit Dokla and Plaurent Dervishaj, members of the Durres Gang, also face arrest. This gang later split into factions, leading to internal conflict.
In Lezha, authorities have conducted searches to apprehend members of the Ndoka clan, including former MP Arben Ndoka. Police have also detained Armando Ndreca and Elvis Ndreca, the brother and cousin of MP Eduard Ndreca, respectively.
Business Ties and Arrests
In Velipojë, businessman Mir Bruli, an associate of Pëllumb Gjoka, was arrested. Gjoka was previously detained as part of Operation “Metamorphosis.”
The extensive operation also targets other criminal figures linked to the activities revealed in the SPAK investigation. The decryption of messages from “Sky ECC” and “Encro Chat” has uncovered extensive criminal operations and cooperation among these individuals, involving drug trafficking, murders, and participation in criminal organizations.
Awaiting Official Statements
SPAK is expected to release an official statement detailing the operation's results, including the number of arrests and individuals still at large. Some of the named suspects are believed to be hiding in the United Arab Emirates.
This operation marks a significant effort by Albanian authorities to crack down on organized crime, leveraging advanced technology to disrupt criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.