Albanian cartel boss extradited from Turkey amid high security
One of Albania’s most wanted fugitives, Dritan Rexhepi, was extradited from Turkey on Wednesday. Rexhepi arrived at Tirana International Airport under heavy security and was immediately transferred to Prison 313 in Tirana.
Why is this important: Rexhepi has long been one of the central figures in Albania’s criminal landscape, alleged to have orchestrated high-profile crimes and leading a massive drug trafficking cartel. His extradition marks a significant step in Albania’s fight against organized crime and is expected to shed light on ongoing investigations.
Who is Dritan Rexhepi: Rexhepi, known as the head of the “Bello Company” cartel, has orchestrated the trafficking of cocaine worth hundreds of millions of euros from South America to Europe. The cartel reportedly encompasses 14 criminal gangs, many of which are led by Albanians.
Rexhepi’s criminal history goes back to 1998 when, at the age of 19, he was accused of murdering two police officers in Fushë Krujë. His record includes multiple arrests and escapes across Europe, cementing his reputation as one of the continent’s most elusive criminals. After initially escaping from prison in Albania, in 2011 he went on to escape from Pavia prison in Italy. He later also fled detention in Belgium after being extradited there for drug trafficking charges.
Rexhepi’s activities abroad: In 2014, Rexhepi was arrested in Ecuador and sentenced to 13 years in prison for drug trafficking. Initially detained in Guayaquil and Quito, he gained partial freedom under a semi-open regime in 2021 due to alleged good behavior. Despite assurances to Ecuadorian authorities that he would not flee, he vanished in early 2022 and was later arrested nearly two years later in Istanbul, Turkey.
Criminal accusations in Albania: Rexhepi is also implicated in crimes on Albanian soil, including the high-profile case of Jan Prenga’s abduction and death in January 2020. Prenga, who was innocent and not implicated in organized crime, was allegedly kidnapped on Rexhepi’s order in order to pressure his brothers in the UK to return a shipment of cocaine they allegedly stole from Rexhepi.
What comes next: With Rexhepi now in Albanian custody, authorities are expected to revisit his extensive criminal network, which spans continents. His extradition and prosecution represent a critical test of Albania’s judicial system in tackling organized crime at the highest levels.
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