SPAK concludes investigation into high-profile “Metamorphosis 2” case involving former top police official
The Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has concluded its investigation into the high-profile “Metamorphosis 2” case, which led to the arrest of 11 individuals, including Erzen Breçani, a former senior official of the State Police during the Democratic Party’s administration.
Why is this significant
With the investigation now complete, the Special Court Against Organized Crime and Corruption (GJKKO) will decide whether to proceed with the trial of this case in a special session. Among the 11 accused, besides Erzen Breçani, who is currently under house arrest, facing charges of money laundering and criminal activity, and aiding and abetting criminals, are his son, Eralbi Breçani, former police anti-crime chief Dedan Gjoni, and former Interpol Tirana officer, Jonida Babameto. Notably, the file of Ervin Mata, Breçani’s son-in-law, who was also part of the case, has been separated for further investigation.
Context
The group is implicated in international drug trafficking, with specific roles ranging from financing and ordering to transporting and distributing narcotics. They exploited international connections in Latin America and Europe for drug trafficking. This organized criminal group also utilized the official positions of several Albanian law enforcement officials to gather and distribute classified information, helping its members evade justice and continue their criminal activities, as evidenced by the involvement of former crime chief Dedan Gjoni.
Erzen Breçani, through his illegal actions, managed and circulated the drug profits generated by his son, Eralbi Breçani, to conceal their true origin. Both father and son aimed to obstruct the identification of the source of these funds.
Breçani and his son are owners of a hydroelectric plant in Valbona, Tropojë, the birthplace of both Breçani and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, to whom Breçani is known to be loyal. Breçani was rewarded with significant positions in the State Police during Berisha’s time in power. The hydroelectric plant has been placed under seizure, along with two cars and a bank account holding €75,000.
Following the departure of Berisha’s government in 2013, Erzen Breçani shifted his focus to running a private security business. In the 2013 parliamentary elections, he appeared on the Democratic Party’s candidate list. Breçani is recognized as one of Berisha’s close confidants, accompanying him at numerous protests and political actions in Tirana.
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