Brazil’s Supreme Court issues arrest warrant for Ervin Mata as Albania requests extradition

Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) has issued an arrest warrant for Ervin Mata, one of Albania’s most wanted men, following a request for extradition by Albanian authorities. Mata, a 38-year-old high-profile businessman allegedly living in Brazil, is accused of being part of a major drug trafficking network operating between Latin America and Europe.

Why is this important: This case is one of the most significant organized crime investigations carried out by Albanian authorities. The group in question, includes former senior police official Erzen Breçani, a long-time close ally of opposition leader Sali Berisha, and his son Eralbi Breçani. Their arrest in Albania earlier this year shocked the public and raised questions about Berisha’s sincerity in advocating tough on crime policies and his attacks on the government for alleged ties to organized crime.

Context: The Brazilian STF decision was signed on March 11, 2025, by judge Alexandre de Moraes but made public on September 23. It orders Mata’s preventive detention to ensure extradition:

“I DECREE the preventive arrest of ERVIN MATA, ordering the issuance of an arrest warrant, the execution of which must be immediately communicated to this Supreme Court, the Ministry of Justice, Interpol, and the diplomatic representation of the requesting state.”

Mata has been wanted since November 2023 for participation in a structured criminal group trafficking narcotics from Latin America to Europe. According to Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK), the group is linked to four major drug seizures — including 446 kg of cocaine in the Netherlands and 69 kg in Brazil — and allegedly planned murders in Albania.

Wider implications: This case highlights the increasing reach of Albania’s anti-crime efforts, as SPAK and law enforcement coordinate internationally to dismantle drug trafficking networks. Mata’s eventual extradition would mark a major victory for Albanian justice and a symbolic step toward dismantling the nexus between crime, business, and politics.