Tirana authorities have successfully concluded a large-scale police operation, codenamed "Njësia," targeting a structured criminal group involved in document forgery. The operation was the result of close cooperation between the Economic Crimes Section of the Tirana Police Directorate, the Special Operational Force Directorate of the State Police, the Joint Investigation Unit with the United States, and the Tirana Prosecutor's Office.
The criminal network, composed of Albanian and Kosovar citizens, was engaged in forging documents for illegal sale. These counterfeit documents were primarily intended for individuals seeking to travel illegally to visa-requiring countries. As a result of the operation, six individuals were apprehended, and several forged documents and electronic devices were seized.
Arrests and Seized Evidence
Law enforcement arrested the following individuals in flagrante delicto:
- K. D., 35, resident of Tirana
- K. G., 57, resident of Prizren
- G. L., 28, resident of Kaçanik
Additionally, three others were detained:
- K. D., 56, resident of Tirana
- L. B., 58, resident of Tirana
- E. D., 20, resident of Tirana
During the operation, authorities confiscated 15 suspected counterfeit documents, including:
- 3 American passports and 3 identity cards
- 2 Italian passports, 2 identity cards, and 1 driver’s license
- 1 British passport and 1 driver’s license
- 1 Romanian driver’s license
- 1 Albanian identity card
Additionally, seven mobile phones and one motorcycle were seized as material evidence.
Intensive Investigation and Legal Proceedings
This operation was the culmination of an intensive investigation carried out with professional methods by the Economic Crimes Section of the Tirana Police Directorate and the Joint Investigation Unit with the U.S., under the direction of the Tirana Prosecutor's Office. The authorities' diligent efforts led to the successful dismantling of this criminal enterprise, which had been facilitating illegal border crossings through forged documents.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against the arrested individuals, who face charges of "Document Forgery," "Forgery of Identity Cards, Passports, or Visas," and "Assistance in Illegal Border Crossing." The case has been referred to the Tirana Prosecutor's Office for further legal action.
This operation underscores the Albanian authorities' commitment to combating organized crime and preventing illegal migration facilitated by fraudulent documentation. Investigations remain ongoing to identify and dismantle any additional networks involved in similar criminal activities.