The State Police of Albania has struck another blow against criminal activity related to the illegal facilitation of border crossings. In a recent operation, law enforcement officers arrested a 28-year-old man caught transporting foreign nationals with the intent of smuggling them across the border into Montenegro in exchange for monetary gain.
The suspect, identified as A.M., a resident of Tirana with a prior conviction for theft, was apprehended in flagrante near the “5 Heronjtë e Vigut” roundabout in Shkodër. He was driving an “Audi” vehicle without a valid driver’s license, while transporting four illegal migrants from Gjirokastër toward the northern border.
According to police investigations, the 28-year-old had agreed to facilitate the migrants’ illegal crossing in return for €1,500 per person. His arrest prevented the group from reaching the border, where they intended to continue their journey unlawfully.
Following the operation, the four migrants were released but placed under legal proceedings for the criminal offense of “Illegal crossing of state borders.”
The success of the operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple police units, including the Section for Illegal Trafficking, the Special Force “Shqiponja,” the Road Police, and the Shkodër Police Commissariat.
Authorities emphasized that the fight against human smuggling and other forms of organized crime remains a top priority. The State Police reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring border security and protecting public safety, vowing to continue its operations against criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit.