Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime, (SPAK) carried out an operation on Saturday targeting a suspected criminal group believed to be one of the most powerful in the southern city of Vlorë.

Investigators from National Bureau of Investigation of Albania (BKH), supported by the Albanian State Police, executed arrest warrants in the Uji i Ftohtë area for alleged gang leader Ines Hajrulla and several members of his group.

According to information obtained by the local media, the operation was triggered by evidence uncovered from encrypted communications on the SkyECC platform. Prosecutors say the messages, combined with other evidence, link the group to two murders and several drug trafficking incidents.

Authorities said the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) issued eight arrest warrants, including for Hajrulla and Ervis Matodashaj, who were not found during the operation. Another suspect, Flodian Plaku, was already in pre-trial detention after being arrested in August 2025 over the killing of Gentian Bejte.

Prosecutors also reported the arrest of former police officer Hamëz Demushi in Switzerland, while another former Vlora police official, Rezart Kuçi, is accused of abuse of office, drug trafficking and participation in a structured criminal group.

Authorities suspect the group may also be responsible for the 2021 killings of Gentian Qarri and Bledar Briçaj in Vlora, both of whom were fatally shot in separate attacks that year.