Albanian Mafia Part II

 

United Kingdom

Albanian gangs are believed to be largely behind sex trafficking, migrant smuggling, as well as working with Turkish gangs in Southend-on-Sea, who control the heroin trade in the United Kingdom. Although specifically known for sex trafficking, particularly in the UK, it's been said that the Albanian mafia's primary illegal business in Europe and the UK in terms of profit margins is now cocaine trafficking.

In 2012, Vice squad officers estimated that "Albanians now control more than 75 per cent of the country's brothels and their operations in London's Soho alone are worth more than £15 million a year." They were said to be present in every big city in the UK as well as in many smaller ones including Telford and Lancaster, after having fought off rival criminals in turf wars. Associate groups within the organizations are said to hide their criminal activities within restaurants, bars, and clubs in an attempt to remain undercover.

Albanian gangsters were also involved in the largest cash robbery in British crime history, the £53 million Securitas heist in 2006.

According to the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), Albanian crime groups have muscled in on the drug and vice trades within the Scottish underworld. The SCDEA notes that Albanian crime groups have established a foothold in arms and drugs trafficking in Scotland.

Albanian mafia in the UK is heavily involved in prostitution and together with Turkish mafia control more than 70% of prostitution market in London.

In the last few years Albanian mafia was involved more in drug trafficking (Hellbanianz) than in prostitution and they sold more than 500,000 kilograms of drugs in London alone. Due to their expansive and deep involvement in drug trading, the Albanian Mafia has climbed its way to the top of a five billion euro market (US$5.3 billion). The group uses its connections in South America to ship high quality, low price cocaine, heroin, and marijuana to European counties, specifically the United Kingdom. An article in The Guardian noted that "the latest UK criminal threat assessment says that the Albanians are unusually skilled at developing relationships and 'forging links with other OCGs [organized crime gangs].'" The cooperation between Albanians and other existing groups has aided in the rapid growth of drug trafficking throughout the United Kingdom's residential regions.

In November 2023, an Albanian criminal organization led by brothers Edmund and Edward Haziri faced a Police raid. A smartphone was recovered and law enforcement bypassed the Lock screen unlocking troves of sensitive information related to their operations.

In April 2024, The Times newspaper claimed that the money from Albanian gangs' drugs trade in the UK was turning Tirana into a 'miniature Dubai'.

Among the most important Albanian criminals in UK are: Luan Plakici: the "Vice King" of the Albanian crime groups in the UK who was jailed for 10 years (later increased to 23 years) for trafficking women after promising them good jobs, Erald Mema a notorious drug trafficker and Fatjon Dauti also a drug trafficker.

North America

Canada

The Albanian mafia is firmly established in Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Albanians are involved in various white collar activities, such as real estate and health care fraud. Furthermore, they are engaged in cross-border activity between the United States and Canada, which includes drug smuggling and money laundering.

A Canadian Security Intelligence Service report noted that although organized crime in Canada has shifted to more multi-ethnic and loosely based structures, the term "mafia" is used only to identify the "big three," which have hierarchical structures that are ethnically, racially, and culturally homogeneous: the Italian, Albanian, and Russian mafias.

United States

In the United States, the term "Albanian Mafia" may include or refer specifically to various Albanian-American organized crime groups, such as the Rudaj Organization and the Albanian Boys, both based in New York City. Albanian criminals started to be active in the country in the mid-80s, mostly participating in low-level crimes, such as burglaries and robberies. Later, most of those Albanian gangs would become affiliated with Cosa Nostra crime families before eventually growing strong enough to operate their own organisations.

The Albanian gangs in the United States has been thought to greatly increase their dominant power and is one of the most violent criminal organizations in operation, particularly with their strong connections in the European Union.

During investigations conducted by FBI experts in the city of New York and surrounding areas against the Albanian mafia, it was noted that the Albanian mafia was too widespread and too secretive to penetrate. Furthermore, although there have been a number of operations performed by the FBI to destroy organized crime such as Italian and Russian factions, the Albanian mafia continues to be widespread in New York in a relatively high number.

Central and South America

Honduras

According to WikiLeaks reports, Albanian crime groups are affiliated with various South American politicians, and have set in motion to move their hidden assets in various banks. The WikiLeaks report goes on to state that Albanian crime groups are preying heavily in Central America, where all roads lead to Colombian cocaine. Albanian crime groups are laundering money through banks in Honduras and investing a large amount in construction projects to further gain influence in South America.

Ecuador

The Albanian mafia has made its presence felt in Ecuador, primarily through its involvement in the country’s drug trafficking industry. Ecuador’s strategic location nestled between Colombia and Peru, two of the world’s largest cocaine producers, makes it an important transit point for drug shipments to international markets, particularly Europe. The Albanian crime groups, with its well-established networks in the drug trade, have played a significant role in facilitating the movement of cocaine from Ecuador to Europe, where the organization has a strong foothold.

One of the ways the Albanian crime groups operates in Ecuador is through partnerships with local criminal groups, often Colombian and Mexican cartels, but also with local gangs, to ensure that drug shipments move smoothly through the country. Their involvement in the drug trade is marked by the establishment of networks that control distribution routes, as well as logistical operations that help to move drugs from Ecuador’s ports and airports to Europe.

In addition to trafficking, the Albanian grime groups have been linked to money laundering activities in Ecuador. They often invest in legitimate businesses such as real estate and hospitality to clean the proceeds of their illicit trade. This helps them blend in with the local economy while continuing to fund and expand their criminal operations. While the Albanian gangsters operate discretely, its influence has not gone unnoticed. Moreover, the Albanian clans are known for using corruption as a means to protect its operations in the country. They may seek to bribe local law enforcement, government officials, or other authorities to shield their activities from investigation or interference, thereby ensuring that their operations continue uninterrupted. Overall, the Albanian crime clan’s influence in Ecuador is primarily linked to the drug trade, where they act as facilitators between local production and international distribution. Their operations contribute to the broader challenges faced by the country, including corruption, violence, and the growth of organized crime networks.

Among the most important Albanian criminals operating in Ecuador is: Remzi Azemi, Ilir Hidri (killed in 2017), Adriatik Tresa (killed in 2020), Gentjan Meta and Artur Rrapaj.

Numerous analyst and media reports cited the expanding presence of the Albanian mafia as a significant factor contributing to the 2024 conflict in Ecuador.

According to a BBC investigation from 2025, the Albanian mafia has established itself as one of the most powerful drug trafficking networks in Europe by expanding its operations into Ecuador, a key transit country for cocaine coming from Colombia and Peru. The Albanian groups work closely with local gangs such as the Latin Kings, using bribery, threats, and violence to control the supply chain. Corrupt police officers, port workers, and transport staff are often involved, knowingly or under duress. Ecuadorian gang members, recruited by a corrupt officer, manage logistics at the ports and are paid thousands of dollars per shipment, though refusal can mean death. European demand continues to fuel the crisis, while fake export companies serve as fronts for smuggling operations. The surge in drug trafficking has led to record seizures and unprecedented violence, with January 2025 marking Ecuador’s deadliest month in years. Yet, according to the investigation, weak governance, economic struggles after the pandemic and previously lax immigration policies have allowed the Albanian mafia to infiltrate the country deeply, turning Ecuador into a critical node in the global cocaine trade.

Groups

Kompania Bello: Considered the most powerful crime group of the Albanian mafia and one of the most active and sophisticated cocaine trafficking networks in Europe. Led by Dritan Rexhepi, a key figure that operated from Ecuador, the group was deeply involved in smuggling large quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe. This highly organized syndicate controlled the entire drug trafficking chain — from negotiating directly with South American cartels to distributing cocaine across European countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, among others. In a groundbreaking international investigation spanning five years, law enforcement authorities in 10 countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, Albania, and Spain, coordinated a series of raids that resulted in the arrest of over 100 members of Kompania Bello. The operation, dubbed Los Blancos, was the culmination of meticulous planning and cooperation between Europol, Eurojust, and judicial authorities. It led to the seizure of nearly 4 tonnes of cocaine and over €5.5 million in cash. Rexhepi’s operation utilized encrypted communications to bypass detection, and the group employed a sophisticated smuggling method, hiding cocaine in vehicles with secret compartments. Additionally, they laundered their illicit profits through the underground "fei ch’ien" remittance system, allowing them to transfer millions of euros without leaving traceable evidence. Despite his arrest in 2014 and a prison sentence in Ecuador, Rexhepi continued to lead the cartel from behind bars, maintaining a global network that stretched across Europe, South America, and the Middle East. The dismantling of Kompania Bello is considered one of the largest operations against Albanian organized crime in Europe and highlights the vast international reach and operational sophistication of modern drug trafficking organizations.

Banda e Lushnjës: The infamous "Lushnje gang," led by Alfred Shkurti, also known as Aldo Bare, became notorious in the 1990s for its violent and ruthless criminal activities in the city of Lushnjë. The gang's main adversary was Artur Daja, and their deadly conflict began in 1996. Aldo Bare's brother, Ramadan Shkurti, was murdered in 1997, sparking a bloody cycle of revenge. In retaliation, Aldo Bare formed the "Lushnje gang," which included key figures like Ilir Stergu, Afrim Hoxha, Arben Borici, and Enver Dondollaku. The gang's violent spree continued with a series of brutal murders. In 1997, they killed Xhevat Demiri, a friend of Daja, and Nimet Zeneli. The gang's reign of terror included more killings in 1998, such as the murders of Masar Aliu, Idajet Beqiri, and Luan Bilbili, all connected to Daja. On October 21, 1998, the gang finally achieved their ultimate goal when they murdered Artur Daja in the village of Grabian, burned his body, and displayed his severed head in Lushnje, symbolizing their brutal victory. Aldo Bare’s criminal activities continued beyond the 1990s. He was connected to other crimes, including the bombing of the Lushnja football stadium in 2000, the murder of police inspector Klejdi Bano, and the killings of Klodian Haxhiu and businessman Baki Taullau in 2005. Bare is also suspected of being involved in other unsolved murders, including the killings of former SHIK head Bashkim Shkurti and former vice mayor Drago Voshtima in 1998. Under Bare’s leadership, the Lushnja gang ruled the Lushnjë region with terror until 2006, when he was arrested in Macedonia and extradited to Albania. His violent reign lasted nearly a decade, leaving a legacy of fear and bloodshed in the city.

Klani Xhakja: notorious criminal organization based in the village of Sukth in Durrës. Led by Ilir Xhakja, the gang has been involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including murders, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and prostitution, both in Albania and Italy. Ilir Xhakja’s criminal career dates back to the early 1990s, with a history of violence and involvement in high-profile crimes. In 1994, Ilir Xhakja was involved in a shooting incident in a local establishment, which led to his arrest but eventual release. The case remained unsolved, and the shell casings found at the crime scene matched those from the murders of Gentian Gjoka and Petrit Lyti in 1998. In the same year, the gang is believed to have been involved in the murder of Qerim Maloku, a crime that was connected to a weapons cache found years later. The Xhakja Gang's involvement in further murders, including the killing of E. Shega in 1998, adds to their violent history, often driven by personal vendettas related to human trafficking and other illicit activities. In 1999, the gang launched an attack on the Maloku family, using military-grade weapons, resulting in widespread destruction. Despite being arrested by Special Forces, the gang members were released after six months, suggesting possible corruption within the local justice system. In 2003, Ilir Xhakja and his associates killed Rudin Shahini as part of a revenge plot. The weapons used in this crime were linked to previous murders. The gang’s influence persisted into the 2000s, with ongoing criminal activities, including drug trafficking, which contributed to violent clashes with rival groups. A failed assassination attempt on two members of the gang in 2006 further highlighted the tensions within the criminal underworld of Durres. The Xhakja Gang has remained a dangerous force in the region, leveraging corruption and violence to maintain control over illegal enterprises. Despite numerous investigations, many of their crimes remain unsolved, and their ability to evade justice has only strengthened their notoriety.

Banda e Durrësit: Named after the city of Durrës, where the group is located, it was formed in 1998, was led by Lulzim Berisha and involved members such as Plaurent Dervishaj, Adriatik Colin, Klodian Saliu, and Ilir Xhunga. The gang's first major crime was the murder of Dritan Sallaku. In 2006, seven people were arrested, including four hitmen, one of whom, Adriatik Coli, cooperated with authorities and provided detailed testimony. His information helped compile a file detailing several murders from 1998 to 2005.The gang's activities were driven by internal divisions, with revenge killings. In 2005, Ilir Kolgjini, a known associate of Berisha, was murdered, allegedly organized by Indrit Dokle, a former ally and rival of Berisha. The prosecution documented over 10 murders with 11 victims, all linked to the Durrës gang.

Banda e Lazaratit: It’s a notorious and long-standing criminal group based in the village of Lazarat, located in southern Albania. This group has been involved in various illegal activities, including large-scale drug trafficking, primarily the cultivation and distribution of cannabis. It is believed that the organization was formed during the chaotic period of the 1997 Albanian civil unrest and has grown into one of the most powerful and resilient criminal enterprises in the country. The Lazarat gang operates with a high level of secrecy and is known for its strong familial ties, with many of its members belonging to the Aliko family. Over the years, the group has maintained a near-impenetrable hold over the region, making it resistant to law enforcement efforts for over 14 years. The gang's criminal activities are not limited to drug trafficking; they have been linked to multiple murders, including targeted assassinations and violent confrontations with police forces. In addition to their domestic criminal endeavors, some members of the Lazarat gang have extended their operations internationally, with reported activities in countries such as Italy, Spain, Belgium and Ecuador. The gang's persistent criminal activities have made it one of the most dangerous and influential organized crime groups in the Balkans. Despite attempts by law enforcement to dismantle their operations, the Lazarat gang remains a significant challenge for Albanian authorities.

Notable members

Alfred Shkurti (also known as Aldo Bare) – is the boss of one of the most notorious criminal syndicates in Albania known as the "Banda e Lushnjës" ("the Lushnja Band"). According to Albanian authorities, “Lushnja Band” is one of the most notorious organized crime groups based which has international operations.

Elvis Demce – One of the most important Albanian mafia bosses active in Italy. Mainly active in the Lazio region. A brutal and ambitious figure in the Albanian criminal underworld in Rome, Elvis Demce sought to dominate the drug trade following the death of his close associate, Fabrizio Piscitelli (Diabolik). Demce was involved in violent extortion, drug trafficking with international cartels, and intense rivalries, particularly with Ermal Arapaj, another Albanian criminal. Their conflict escalated into shootings and arson, as Demce aimed to expand his control over the Lazio region. His ruthless tactics and desire to become the top criminal in the area led to multiple violent confrontations until his arrest.

Lul Berisha – is the leader of a notorious clan based in Durrës, Albania. Known as "Banda e Lul Berishes", the clan, by its complex structure is engaged in moving drug and arms trafficking and other criminal activities throughout Europe. According to German and Albanian authorities, the clans international drug and arms trafficking spans to Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, and Germany.

Artur Ndreka also known as "the boss" – born in 1987, a prominent figure in the Albanian crime scene in Rome, Italy, having risen through the ranks under the protection of notorious Albanian criminals like Arben Zogu, Dorian Petoku, and Petrit Bardhi. He controlled drug trafficking in areas like Acilia and Vitinia in Lazio, running a well-organized operation with a rigid hierarchy. His criminal empire collapsed after a detailed investigation by the Italian authorities, leading to his arrest and that of his brother, Mark. Ndreka was seen as a powerful figure, connected to high-level Albanian crime networks.

Ervis Martinaj – a notorious figure in Albania’s criminal underworld, involved in various illegal activities including organized gambling, threats, and murder accusations. He gained widespread attention following a 2018 incident where he survived an assassination attempt that killed his associate, Fabjol Gaxha. Despite being arrested, Martinaj was released in 2019 on a 50 million lek bail due to insufficient evidence. He founded several gambling businesses, but some of them were shut down after a police operation. He has faced numerous legal challenges, including accusations of offering bribes to witnesses and involvement in organized crime, and was later implicated in a murder-for-hire scheme. Martinaj has been missing since 9 August 2022 with no traces, Faik Martinaj who is his uncle, has publicly claimed Ervis to be dead and has blamed Edi Rama for playing a role in his death.

Franc Çopja also known as "Franc Gergely" – notorious drug lord who built a vast criminal empire spanning Europe. Starting from humble beginnings in Elbasan, Albania, he rose through the ranks of organized crime, founding the "Çopja clan" involved in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering. His operations were global, with major drug shipments passing through European ports. He relocated to Dubai, living in luxury while orchestrating his illegal activities. However, after a violent rivalry with the "Alibej clan" and extensive investigations, he was arrested in Dubai, UAE in September 2023. His extradition to Belgium marked the end of his reign, as his criminal empire collapsed, leading to his prosecution for numerous crimes, including drug trafficking and murder.

Gëzim Çela also known as "The Baron" – former police officer, he became one of Europe's most notorious drug traffickers, heavily involved in the cocaine and heroin trade. After serving in the Special Police Forces until 1997, his life took a criminal turn as he became a key player in smuggling narcotics from the Middle East to Europe, using his villa in Fushë Kuqe as a hub for mixing and distributing drugs. Known for his involvement in organized crime, Çela was convicted for "exploitation of prostitution" and later faced charges for falsifying medical records to avoid imprisonment. Despite being released on health grounds, he escaped police custody when his house was surrounded. He also received an 11-year prison sentence and a €150,000 fine from an Italian court.

Kreshnik Farruku also known as "Budlla" – considered one of the most dangerous Albanian drug traffickers, leader of the "Farruku crime group" and suspected of multiple mafia-related murders. He was wanted internationally by Italy for leading a violent criminal gang involved in a series of robberies. Spanish authorities had been investigating him since 2007. Farruku’s criminal activity began in Albania with violent clashes between the Farruku and Kërtalla crime groups, leading to numerous incidents in Albania and the Netherlands. Despite several assassination attempts on his life, including a 2015 attack in Tirana, Farruku managed to survive. In 2010, he was arrested while attempting to traffic cocaine to Italy, and after escaping prison in 2014, he returned to drug trafficking, particularly in Amsterdam.

Arbër Çekaj – established a banana-trading company in Ecuador, which he used to conceal drugs in cargo shipments. He was convicted of participating in a structured criminal group and international drug trafficking.

Dritan Rexhepi – “the Cocaine Tzar”, leader of the Albanian crime syndicate "Kompania Bello", ran a massive cocaine trafficking network from his prison cell in Ecuador. Despite being incarcerated since 2014, he controlled the entire drug supply chain from South America to Europe, working with major cartels and criminal groups. His syndicate, involved in trafficking millions of euros worth of cocaine, was dismantled in 2020 through the Los Blancos operation, but Rexhepi's influence and criminal network remain significant, showcasing his ability to manage operations from prison.

Dritan Gjika – Albanian cocaine kingpin in Ecuador, allegedly led a major international cocaine trafficking operation centered in this country. He built his empire by using legitimate businesses and corrupt connections with influential Ecuadorian officials, including former police Chief Tannya Varela. His network smuggled tons of cocaine from Colombia to Europe, laundered money, and avoided direct involvement in drug handling. Following a large-scale law enforcement operation in 2024, much of his network was dismantled, but Gjika remains on the run, and some of his business ventures continue despite his absence.

Princ Dobroshi – Kosovar criminal who, in the 1990s, trafficked drugs in Europe and arms to the Kosovo Liberation Army.

In popular culture

The Albanian Mob appears in the 2008 video game Grand Theft Auto IV and its expansion packs, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, all three set within the fictional Liberty City (based on New York). They mainly operate in the Hove Beach district of Broker (Brooklyn), and Little Bay in Bohan (Bronx), and engage in loan sharking, extortion, stick ups, and credit card fraud. They serve as hired guns for more powerful criminal syndicates in the city, mainly the Ancelotti crime family. The Albanians serve as the main antagonists during the early stages of GTA IV, until the player scares them away by killing their leader, Dardan Petrela. Later, the player is tasked with sabotaging the Albanian Mob's partnership with the Ancelotti family by leading several attacks against the latter while making it look like the Albanians' handiwork.

A fictional Albanian mafia is the basis for the plot of the film franchise Taken where they abduct women for illegal sex trafficking including the protagonist's daughter.

One of the main crime bosses in Gangs of London is Luan Dushaj (played by Orli Shuka), the head of the powerful Albanian mafia in London, England and one of the associates of Wallace family (or Wallace Organization), the main crime syndicate in Gangs of London.

TV series Besa has its main narrative line placed in the world of Albanian mafia.

TV series Law & Order: Organized Crime The first 8 episodes of season 2 is an "arc" where Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) goes deep undercover into the New York Albania Mafia.

The Lee Child novel Blue Moon features an Albanian gang operating in an unnamed American city.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albanian_mafia