The Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has announced a 19-year prison sentence recommendation for Talo Çela, in connection with the high-profile theft of €4.5 million from Tirana’s Nënë Tereza Airport in April 2019. Following the reading of the prosecution’s case, Çela’s lawyer requested additional time to review SPAK’s evidence.
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The Special Court, comprised of judges Erjon Bani, Rudina Palloj, and Elsa Ulliri, has scheduled the final hearing for November 21 at 10:00 a.m., when a verdict on Çela’s sentence will be issued.
Talo Çela is among Albania's most-wanted individuals and has been linked to several criminal operations. He was declared wanted as part of the "Golden Bullet" operation, which led to the arrest of other high-profile criminal figures, including Nuredin Dumani and Henrik Hoxhaj.
In October of last year, the Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) sentenced seven members of the criminal group involved in the 2019 heist to a collective 122 years in prison. Klement Çala received a 20-year sentence, while the others—Oltion Veseli, Renaldo Sulaj, Saimir Cela, Oltion Pikli, Alkon Bengasi, and Eldi Çala—each received 17-year sentences. All are currently serving time in a high-security prison.
This case marks a major step in SPAK’s crackdown on organized crime, targeting individuals linked to notorious criminal networks operating in Albania.