Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution (SPAK) said it has dismantled a cyber fraud operation run through call centers in Tirana that allegedly scammed Italian and other European citizens with fake cryptocurrency investment schemes.

Six people were arrested in an operation carried out with the National Bureau of Investigation, while detention orders were issued for several others suspected of participating in a structured criminal group. Those arrested were identified as Remir Gjoligaj, Endri Gjata, David Qerimi, Elis Merkaj, Odeas Kuqi and Rentjan Peposhi.

Authorities have also declared brothers Alfred, Agim and Arjan Prekaj wanted. SPAK said Alfred Prekaj is the owner of “Balkanspro,” a call center and telemarketing company linked to the alleged fraud.

During the operation, investigators seized computers, servers, mobile phones, documents and vehicles, including a luxury Ferrari. Prosecutors said the suspects operated a well-organized call center with defined roles and multilingual staff working in Italian, French, Spanish and German, and used sophisticated security measures, including surveillance cameras and external monitoring personnel.

SPAK said the group attempted to relocate the call center overnight after being alerted, but investigators uncovered the move and disrupted the operation. The probe began following complaints and materials provided by Italian journalists from the investigative television program “Le Iene.”

Authorities urged citizens to remain cautious about online investment offers and warned call center employees against involvement in illegal activities, as investigations and evidence analysis contin