In a first, two of Albania’s most wanted extradited from UAE
Plarent Dervishaj and Julian Meçe, two high-profile fugitives sought by Albanian justice have been extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Albania. The individuals had been on the run for several years and face accusations of being involved in an organized criminal group and committing a series of murders.
Why is this important
The extradition marks the first instance of criminals sought by justice being extradited from Dubai to Albania. Despite ongoing efforts over the years to establish an extradition agreement between the two countries, it has been impossible to date to reach a formal agreement. This has led to Dubai becoming a haven for Albanian criminals, with many believed to be hiding there to evade justice.
Context
The exact details of how the extradition was carried out remain unclear, as Dervishaj’s lawyer claims that the extradition was conducted under the pretense of a life-threatening situation, with the individuals transferred directly to Albania without passing through a court. The defense argues that the extradition was therefore unlawful. In contrast, Meçe’s lawyer stated that he willingly came forward to face justice.
Plarent Dervishaj and Julian Meçe were previously arrested by UAE authorities, who located them with the help of Interpol Tirana. It was Interpol Tirana that persuaded UAE authorities to approve the extradition of these dangerous criminal figures.
Both men have gained notoriety in Albania for their crimes and their association with one of Albania’s more ruthless criminal organizations, involved in anything from international drug trafficking to extortion and assassinations. Dervishaj faces several charges from the Special Prosecutor’s Office, including three murders in 2005 and ordering a hit on a prosecutor in 2019, which resulted in the death of his driver. Julian Meçe is accused of being the perpetrator of this murder. Both individuals were subject to an international arrest warrant and a court decision imposing pre-trial detention.
It remains to be seen whether their extradition is a one off, or the first in a series that could allow Albanian justice to finally get its hand on some of the country’s most notorious criminals, who in recent years seem to have settled in Dubai out of reach of Albanian authorities, and seemingly, able to continue with their illegal activities.
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