Major blow to an organized crime network involved in cocaine trafficking, the result of another investigation into Sky ECC platform data, coordinated by Europol.
A series of raids carried out on 7 and 8 August 2025 in Albania led to the arrest of 10 people suspected of being members of an Albanian organised crime network involved in multi-ton cocaine trafficking and money laundering. Albanian law enforcement, in cooperation with their colleagues from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, carried out this Europol-supported crackdown on a clan-based criminal network. Investigations have shown that the network had links to other high-risk international criminal organisations involved in numerous criminal activities across the EU and beyond.
Following the arrest of a key member of the organization by Albanian authorities in late June 2025, the raids also led to the seizure of significant assets, including a hotel, various properties and businesses, as well as extensive physical and digital evidence.
Results of the raids (15 search warrants):
10 arrests
Seizure of real estate, such as a tourist resort, villas, apartments, plots of land, as well as vehicles and shares in companies, worth several million euros
Seizure of cash: 111,800 euros, 4,000 US dollars (about 3,434 euros), and 880,000 Albanian lek (about 9,048 euros)
Sky ECC encrypted communication platform continues to deliver results since 2021
Although the encrypted communication platform Sky ECC was dismantled over four years ago, its content continues to deliver operational results. Europol’s in-depth and targeted data analysis enables law enforcement authorities to gather valuable information on high-risk organised crime groups and their members. This coordinated approach helps investigators map the structure of criminal networks and the role of individuals declared as High Value Targets.
A data-driven success
This special operation led by the Albanian SPAK focused on a high-level Albanian target involved in cocaine trafficking and money laundering. Investigators from Albania, Belgium, France and the Netherlands, together with Europol experts, analyzed encrypted communications data from Sky ECC. Among the reconstructed criminal episodes were multi-ton shipments of cocaine trafficked from Latin America to major EU ports, including Hamburg and Rotterdam. The investigations showed that from one of these shipments alone, the main target had benefited from over $40 million.
The leader of the criminal organization was responsible for organizing the shipments and investing in very large quantities of cocaine. He coordinated these criminal activities from remote locations using encrypted means of communication. Before his arrest, he was wanted under a decision of the Albanian court that recognized a 21-year prison sentence given by an Italian court for murder, deprivation of liberty, attempted concealment of bodies, threats, illegal possession of explosives and ammunition, and obstruction of justice.
The Albanian criminal network under investigation operated on a truly global scale, collaborating with other groups that facilitated shipments to EU ports. The massive profits, amounting to tens of millions of euros, were invested in properties and businesses in Albania and other European countries.
Europol's expertise in action
Europol provided extensive expertise on the criminal areas under investigation, covering organised crime structures, large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering. Based on the analysis of big data, Europol disseminated intelligence and analytical reports to cooperating partners, who met and exchanged information in several operational meetings. During the day of the operation, Europol deployed an organised crime expert to Tirana, Albania, who supported with a mobile office and facilitated international law enforcement cooperation.
Participating countries:
Albania: Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK); National Bureau of Investigation; State Police
Belgium: Federal Judicial Police
France: National Police
Germany: Federal Criminal Police Office; Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office (Karlsruhe)
Netherlands: Police
Italy: State Police; Service for International Police Cooperation (SCIP)
EMPACT
The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) addresses the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting the EU. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners. EMPACT operates in four-year cycles with a focus on common EU crime priorities.
