Police in Durrës have arrested a 46-year-old man accused of trafficking a young Russian woman into Albania and exploiting her for prostitution. The arrest was made during a targeted police operation codenamed "Gjuetari" (The Hunter), which aimed to crack down on human trafficking and prostitution networks in the coastal city.
The arrested individual has been identified as K.D., 46 years old, a resident of neighborhood no. 13 in Durrës. He faces a long list of serious criminal charges, including:
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Exploitation of prostitution
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Practicing prostitution
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Adapting premises for prostitution
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Human trafficking of adults
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Domestic violence
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Illegal possession of hunting and sports firearms
According to the official police statement, the investigation revealed that K.D. trafficked a 20-year-old Russian woman into Albania through illegal routes in October 2023, entering the country from Podgorica, Montenegro.
Once in Albania, the woman was reportedly subjected to physical violence and exploited sexually in various hotels, where she was forced to offer sexual services to different clients for amounts ranging from €250 to €300 per person. All proceeds from the acts of prostitution were allegedly collected by K.D.
In addition to the arrest of K.D., the police have also issued an arrest warrant for another individual, E.S., 39 years old, also from Durrës. He is suspected of being involved in facilitating or organizing acts of prostitution connected to the same case.
Authorities have not disclosed further details on the condition of the victim but stated that investigations are ongoing and that she is now under the protection of state institutions.
This arrest marks another serious case highlighting the ongoing challenge of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the region. Law enforcement agencies have vowed to intensify operations against such crimes and to bring all perpetrators to justice.