The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) has requested the seizure of real estate and other assets belonging to 15 individuals under investigation for drug trafficking and involvement in organized crime networks operating between Albania and Italy. SPAK’s statement to the media clarified that the investigation began through collaboration with the Antimafia division in Florence.
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| The entrance to the SPAK building, the Albanian special prosecutor's office, ocnal.com |
International Collaboration and Joint Investigative Team
Following coordination between SPAK and the Florence Public Prosecutor’s Office, with support from Eurojust, a Joint Investigative Team (JIT) was established to combat the activities of the organized criminal group responsible for drug trafficking from Albania to Italy. Information from Italian authorities and SPAK’s own verification revealed connections between Albanian and Italian citizens participating in drug trafficking operations and investing illicit earnings back into Albanian assets.
On February 5, 2024, Operation "Muratori" was launched across multiple countries under Eurojust’s coordination, leading to 92 detentions, including 65 Albanian nationals, and the documentation of their assets in Albania.
Seized Assets and Legal Proceedings
SPAK’s request includes the confiscation of the following assets:
- 43 vehicles and 4 motorcycles
- 18 real estate properties
- 25 commercial entities (including limited liability companies and individual businesses)
- 6 shareholding companies
- Various bank accounts
SPAK is pursuing the seizure of these assets under the Albanian law designed to prevent and combat organized crime, trafficking, and corruption. The Special Anti-Corruption Court will rule on SPAK’s request, potentially transferring ownership of these assets to the state.
This joint investigation underscores the international cooperation and legal measures being taken to dismantle cross-border crime networks and ensure accountability.