Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK), in coordination with the State Police, has carried out a large-scale operation targeting an alleged organized criminal group involved in international drug trafficking and money laundering.

Authorities issued 20 security measures as part of the operation, including a pre-trial detention order for prominent businessman Ilir Shtufi. Shtufi was arrested on Friday in Thessaloniki, Greece, following a request from Albanian prosecutors.

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According to SPAK, the criminal organization is suspected of trafficking cocaine from several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, into European markets. Prosecutors allege that proceeds from the illegal activities were laundered through investments in various sectors, particularly construction.

SPAK claims that Shtufi and businessman Artur Shehu were among those involved in the alleged money-laundering scheme linked to the criminal network.

Shtufi is a well-known figure in Albania’s construction industry and has been involved in the development of several high-rise projects in the capital, Tirana. He has also been publicly associated with Shkëlzen Berisha, the son of former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha.

The businessman and companies linked to him have previously come under scrutiny by SPAK in connection with investigations into a contract awarded for Lot 4 of Tirana’s Greater Ring Road project.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced whether additional arrests or charges are expected.