Amarildo Vllazeria, Albanian Politician Arrested in Belgium Just Days Before Taking Office

 In a dramatic turn of events, Amarildo Vllazeria, a 27-year-old Albanian set to be sworn in as a municipal councilor in Mortsel, Belgium, has been arrested in connection with drug trafficking allegations. Vllazeria was slated to replace Caro Abutoh in the city council but now finds himself entangled in a serious criminal investigation.

Amarildo Vllazeria

According to Belgian media reports, Vllazeria’s name surfaced in intercepted communications on the encrypted messaging platform SKYECC, where he allegedly discussed drug trafficking with other individuals with criminal records. On Tuesday, detectives from the FGP Antwerp conducted raids at five different locations, including the temporary town hall in Meerminne, the OCMW Mortsel offices on Deurnestraat, and addresses in Wilrijk and Antwerp.

Authorities arrested three individuals in their twenties, including Vllazeria, on suspicion of being part of a criminal organization involved in cocaine smuggling through the port of Antwerp in 2020 and 2021. The investigation revealed encrypted messages discussing the importation of over 150 kilograms of cocaine, destined for export in vehicles equipped with hidden compartments.

Kristof Aerts, spokesperson for the public prosecutor’s office, stated: “We are investigating imports through the port of Antwerp, where dock workers were also being recruited. There were also plans for a cannabis plantation in Mortsel.” During the raids, law enforcement officers seized luxury goods, mobile phones, and €9,000 in cash.

The prosecutor’s office has presented concrete evidence linking Vllazeria to the export and transportation of narcotics. However, he and the two other individuals arrested on Tuesday were released after questioning, with the investigation still ongoing.

Vllazeria previously served as the chairman of the special committee for social services and was a member of the OCMW council from October 2023 until the end of the previous term. Additionally, he was part of the police council for the Minos police zone. In the municipal elections of October 2024, he was elected to the city council of Mortsel.

Authorities are now investigating whether Vllazeria misused his political positions to facilitate illicit activities. The alleged drug-related offenses and his involvement in the criminal organization date back to 2020 and 2021, a period during which he held significant responsibilities.

As the case unfolds, the scandal has cast a shadow over local politics in Mortsel, raising questions about political integrity and law enforcement’s ability to curb organized crime.