A police operation to destroy a smuggling line of various persons from the Middle East to the EU has been carried out simultaneously in three countries, Albania, Italy and Greece, and in several other countries. 

During the investigations conducted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) it was documented that the members of 4 (four) criminal groups exercised in cooperation with each other the criminal activity of smuggling various persons from the Middle East, destined for Southern Italy and beyond other EU countries. 

Special Prosecution against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK) informs that from the investigations conducted in Albania are documented 7 (seven) episodes of smuggling of persons from the Middle East, committed in Tirana, Korça, Gjirokastra, Elbasan, Fier, Vlora and Saranda. The persons smuggled to cross the state borders illegally were also caught in the act, and the criminal activity of this structured group was documented. Also floating vessels (boats), a sailing ship, vehicles, as well as various items, which were used for smuggling of persons by land and by sea, were seized. 

Following the request submitted by the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime, with the decision for imposing security measures given by the Judge of the Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organized Crime, the arrest of 25 persons was ordered, as part of a structured criminal group, of which 18 are Albanian nationals and 7 foreign nationals (Palestinian, Iraqi, Iranian, Egyptian and Turkish).