Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors and state police launched a large-scale operation early Friday targeting an alleged organized crime network suspected of international cocaine trafficking and large-scale money laundering.

The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) issued 20 arrest warrants as part of the investigation, although only some of the suspects had been apprehended by Friday. According to the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), the group allegedly trafficked cocaine from several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil and Puerto Rico, into Europe.

Investigators believe the criminal proceeds were laundered through investments in businesses and real estate projects, particularly within Albania’s construction sector. Among those under investigation are businessmen Ilir Shtufi and Artur Shehu, who prosecutors suspect may have been linked to financial operations connected to the alleged network.

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Economy Minister Anila Denaj (c) during the signing ceremony

Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku

SPAK alleges that the organization was led by Artur Koçeku, also known as Luciano Koçeku, and Alfredo Hamzai, both of whom are believed to be outside Albania. Authorities say cocaine shipments were primarily destined for Belgium and the Netherlands, concealed in maritime cargo, including charcoal shipments, fruit paste products and hidden compartments inside shipping containers.

According to investigators, the narcotics were allegedly processed and chemically extracted in warehouses and rented facilities in Western Europe before being distributed across the continent.

As part of the operation, prosecutors have ordered the preventive seizure of companies, real estate holdings, luxury vehicles and bank accounts believed to be connected to the suspects. Authorities estimate that the assets under investigation may exceed €100 million.

Investigators say Luciano Koçeku is the sole owner of G.A.V Invest, a company established in 2022 and active in construction, engineering and building materials. Prosecutors have also imposed seizure measures on several bank accounts linked to Artur Shehu and companies associated with Ilir Shtufi.

Among other individuals named in the investigation are businessman Orgest Birçaj, who operates in the luxury car trade, and Orest Sota, who previously drew national attention after being detained in 2017 when authorities discovered €863,000 in cash inside a vehicle. That case was later dismissed.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to dismantle what prosecutors describe as a sophisticated transnational criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and money laundering across multiple jurisdictions.

Those named in the investigation are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.