New details have emerged from the latest investigations into Albanian criminal networks involved in international drug trafficking and money laundering.
Journalist Klodiana Lala, on the show "This Week", has shown that well-known figures such as Ervis Çela, Franc Çopja, Ermir Ndrejaj (Cinco) and others, are part of powerful criminal structures, with strong ties in Latin America, especially in Paraguay, Colombia and Brazil.
"They lived luxurious lives, while hiding their wealth in creative ways, such as burying it under olive trees, investing in cryptocurrencies or gold bars," said Lala, adding that investigations have uncovered a sophisticated money laundering mechanism through legitimate businesses, tenders and disguised financial activities.
Cases from Ervis Çela to Ermir 'Cinco' Ndrejaj
Ervis Çela, previously convicted of murder and a fugitive for years in Paraguay, according to Lalas, had built a "drug empire" there, becoming one of the largest cocaine suppliers in the region. After years in Latin America, he had returned to Albania, where he lived a normal life in Peqin, until his arrest in Qeparo, at the request of SPAK.
"His three brothers were also involved in the trafficking. The money was invested in cryptocurrencies, in gold, and was hidden under olive trees," the journalist said.
Another organization mentioned is that of Franc Çopja, a well-known opponent of Erion Alibej, while there is evidence that this group also collaborated with Ervis Çela.
In her analysis, Lala also focused on Fadil Balla, the president of the Erzeni football club, who has benefited from tenders from the Municipality of Shijak and other institutions. Despite being under investigation, he managed to escape, while the police surrounded his luxurious residence, but without success.
According to her, a suspended police officer is also involved in the Balla case, while the police had monitored his movements during a family ceremony.
The other criminal group includes the Hoxhosmani brothers and Ermir Ndrejaj, known as 'Cinco', who according to Lala had a low public profile, but was one of the main traffickers. He had a large financial fortune, lived on the coast and his wife was a lawyer, which made his figure less suspicious.
Meanwhile, a cousin of the Hoxhosmani brothers is suspected of having also planned the murder of Lulzim Berisha, the brother-in-law of Plarent Dervishaj, another key figure in the Durrës gang.
"After 20 years, investigations show that Dervishaj collaborated with the Hoxhosmans, who lived a luxurious life in Monaco and appeared in cars worth 500-600 thousand euros," Lala emphasized.
Finally, Lala also mentioned a character from Tepelena, Renato Muskaj, who is suspected of trafficking drugs by submarine, an extreme and very sophisticated form of smuggling. She said that the investigations into this case are still in the initial stages and are expected to be further developed by Albanian and international authorities./BalkanWeb
