Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), in cooperation with the State Police, has carried out a major operation targeting an organized criminal group, issuing 20 security measures, including a detention order for businessman Ilir Shtufi.
Shtufi was arrested today in Thessaloniki, Greece, following a request from SPAK.
The operation targeted a criminal network allegedly involved in international drug trafficking. According to SPAK, the group trafficked cocaine from countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, and Brazil into Europe.
Prosecutors allege that the proceeds from the trafficking operation were laundered through investments, primarily in the construction sector. Businessmen Ilir Shtufi and Artur Shehu are among those accused of involvement in the money-laundering scheme.
Ilir Shtufi is a well-known figure in Albania’s construction industry and has been involved in the development of several high-rise towers in Tirana. He has also been publicly linked to Shkëlzen Berisha, the son of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha.
His companies have previously been under investigation by SPAK in connection with the awarding of a contract for Lot 4 of Tirana’s Grand Ring Road project.
The investigation remains ongoing.
