Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution (SPAK) has referred 21 individuals to trial, including former judge Pajtime Fetahu and alleged criminal figures Suel and Mario Çela, over charges of organized crime, international drug trafficking, and corruption.
The decision follows investigations into criminal networks operating both domestically and internationally, with suspected involvement in attempted murders, cocaine trafficking, and active and passive corruption in both the judicial system and private sector.
SPAK concluded its investigation and submitted the case to the Special Court of First Instance under criminal proceeding no. 193/2023. The defendants face multiple charges tied to a structured criminal group. Among them are: Marjus Lulaj (alias Suel Çela), Mario Çela, Klaus Matishi (alias Klaus or Kledjan Çopja), Xhino Roka, Marsel Roka, Prekë Kodra, Ledio Zabeli, Sergej Hasanpapaj, Fuad Verzivolli, Bruno Hazizolli, Ado Xhika (alias Elkier Cerriku), Artan Hoxha, Pajtime Fetahu, Metin Mehja, Skënder Sufaj, Marsel Shega (alias Bujar Shega), Renato Hasani, Hajdar Lala (alias Hajdar Xaka), Blerina Beqiri, Elton Qyno, and Dedan Gjoni.
Investigators from the National Bureau of Investigation, under SPAK prosecutors, reported that the group operated across Albania and abroad, including in Ecuador, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Key incidents under investigation included attempted murders in Elbasan and large-scale cocaine seizures: 930 kg in Ecuador, 446 kg in the Netherlands, and 14 kg in the United Kingdom.
Charges against the defendants include participation in a criminal organization, attempted murder, illegal possession and production of firearms and explosives, narcotics trafficking, and corruption involving judicial officials and private sector actors. Specific allegations highlight coordination in criminal activity, facilitation of murders, and corruption payments involving former judge Pajtime Fetahu and others.
Authorities have applied a range of pre-trial detention and reporting measures in line with Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code. SPAK has also decided to separate certain acts from the main proceeding to allow further investigation into additional alleged crimes.
“SPAK remains fully committed to combating organized crime and corruption in Albania,” the prosecution said.
The Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution (SPAK) is a specialized Albanian judicial body established in 2019 to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption and organized crime. SPAK operates under the supervision of the Special Court and is tasked with targeting criminal networks, corruption within state institutions, and large-scale economic crimes.
SPAK has been central in Albania’s judicial reforms, which are linked to EU accession requirements, aiming to strengthen transparency and accountability. Its work includes investigating politicians, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and organized crime figures. Cases handled by SPAK often involve complex international operations, reflecting the cross-border nature of organized crime in the Balkans.
SPAK has faced both domestic support and criticism: supporters highlight its role in tackling entrenched corruption, while critics have accused it of political influence and selective prosecution. Despite challenges, SPAK has continued to pursue high-profile cases, including corruption in the judiciary, drug trafficking networks, and misuse of public funds.