Ilir Shtufi, the businessman arrested a day ago in Thessaloniki, Greece, following a court order for his detention, is alleged to be one of the individuals involved in laundering drug proceeds through the construction sector.
According to SPAK (Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure), Shtufi is suspected of participating in money-laundering activities on behalf of Luçiano Koçeku through a series of unlawful transactions, including fictitious sales and transfers aimed at integrating criminal proceeds into the companies Nova Construction and LTD.
Financial records of the companies LTD and Nova reportedly show a significant increase in turnover during the years linked to the criminal activities of Koçeku’s organization. SPAK states that communications recovered from the encrypted platform SKY ECC indicate that Ilir Shtufi and his companies, Nova Construction and LTD, acted according to Koçeku’s instructions and guidance.
One of the properties allegedly built using drug money is the tower on Kavaja Street in Tirana, known as “Tirana Garden Building.”
SKY ECC conversations between Luçiano Koçeku and Genci Bedini allegedly reveal discussions about Ardian Zykaj seeking an additional 600-square-meter commercial space on Kavaja Street, as well as premises on the underground level, raising suspicions that Koçeku invested proceeds from narcotics trafficking into the development.
Investigators found that Nova Construction publicly advertises itself as the developer of the Tirana Garden Building. Comparisons between the floor plans promoted by the company and those referenced in SKY ECC communications reportedly suggest they relate to the same construction project.
The Tirana Garden Building, standing 85 meters tall with 24 floors above ground and 4 underground levels, has a total constructed area of approximately 65,000 square meters. Nova Construction served as the main contractor, with works beginning in March 2018 and concluding in February 2021.
Justice collaborator Erion Alibej was also questioned regarding the project. He stated:
“Regarding buildings constructed by Ilir Shtufi in which Artur Koçeku and other individuals involved in narcotics trafficking contributed cash, one example is the building known as the ‘Red Building’ near the 21 Dhjetori area, below the mosque in Tirana. In that construction, Artur Koçeku invested cash amounting to roughly half of the building’s value, alongside other individuals.”
The allegations form part of a broader SPAK investigation into suspected money laundering and the investment of criminal proceeds in Albania’s construction sector.
