SPAK cracks down on organized crime and judicial corruption. Two journalists also under investigation

Albania’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption made important progress with the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) conducting an operation targeting judicial corruption and organized crime in Elbasan. The crackdown involved raids and the execution of 21 arrest warrants in a city that has long been seen as one of the most important centers of organized crime in the country. In a first, the investigation not only implicated judicial figures but also extended to journalists, raising questions about media complicity in criminal activities.

Why is this important: The investigation has brought to light the deep-rooted corruption that existed within Albania’s judiciary, where judges and criminal networks collaborated for personal gain. Former judges were arrested in connection with their alleged roles in facilitating criminal activities, such as reducing security measures for one of Elbasan’s most notorious organized crime groups. Also under scrutiny is a lawyer with ties to the criminal group, who has been placed under house arrest. The inclusion of two well-known journalists in the investigation, both accused of being linked to criminal activities, adds a new dimension to the case, highlighting the challenges facing both the judiciary and the media in maintaining ethical standards. These developments also underscore the broad scope of corruption in the country and signal that even the media cannot escape scrutiny in the fight for accountability.

Details of the operation: The arrests are part of a broader investigation into the activities of one of Elbasan’s most notorious organized crime groups led by Suel Çela. It has been linked to drug trafficking and violent crime and its fighting with rival groups has turned Elbasan into one of Albania’s most severely affected cities in Albania. Evidence obtained from encrypted communications, particularly through the Sky ECC app, revealed illicit cooperation between certain members of the judiciary and criminal organizations.

The role of the journalists in this investigation has drawn significant attention. Both Hoxha and Qyno face charges related to corruption and participation in a criminal group. The investigation into journalists raises critical questions about the media’s role in fostering or obscuring criminal behavior, particularly in cases of high-profile corruption. The two journalists in question were both well-known crime reporters. 

Suel Çela’s criminal network: Suel Çela, one of Albania’s most notorious criminal figures, remains at the center of the investigation. Despite several failed attempts on his life and multiple accusations, including involvement in a botched assassination in 2022, Çela’s criminal group continues to operate in the shadows of Albania’s legal and political system. His ability to evade justice for so long highlights the systemic issues that continue to plague the country’s fight against organized crime.

Impact on judicial and media: The operation is being seen as an important step in Albania’s ongoing judicial reforms, which are a critical requirement for the country’s European Union accession. The involvement of journalists in the case reflects the challenge of tackling corruption not only within the judiciary but also in other sectors, such as the media, that are key to maintaining transparency and accountability. As Albania continues its efforts to improve its legal framework, the investigation serves as a wake-up call to both the judicial system and the media about their critical roles in safeguarding democratic values and the rule of law.

What’s next: SPAK’s operation is yet another demonstration of the new justice institutions’ commitment to fighting crime and corruption.  However, the case has also led to further scrutiny of how judicial and media practices have intertwined with criminal activity, and more arrests may follow as authorities continue to investigate. As the investigation unfolds, it will likely become one more test of the country’s ability to enact meaningful change.