A shocking case of sexual abuse involving a 16-year-old girl has triggered disciplinary action within the Albanian State Police. On September 19, 2025, the Local Police Directorate of Gjirokastër announced the suspension of Commissioner Dhurim Çenko, the Chief of the Section for Volume Crimes at the Përmet Police Station.
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| Permet Police Station |
Why the Police Chief Was Suspended
According to the official statement, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Commissioner Çenko for serious breach of duty. Authorities argue that he had knowledge of the abuse case but failed to take any action. This inaction, officials claim, constitutes a violation under Law No. 82/2024 “On the State Police”, specifically Article 121, point 1, letter “a”, which allows disciplinary measures against officers whose failure to act results in severe consequences.
In addition to Çenko, investigations are also underway against other police officers who are suspected of being aware of the abuse but neglected to respond. Oversight of the probe has been handed to the Regional Directorate of the Police Oversight Agency (AMP) in Vlora–Gjirokastër.
The Abuse Case: A Three-Year Nightmare
Preliminary investigations revealed that the 16-year-old girl had been a victim of ongoing sexual abuse for three years by her stepfather, identified as P.B., who served as a police officer in Përmet. The revelations have shocked the community, raising urgent questions about how such prolonged abuse could go unnoticed or unreported within the ranks of law enforcement.
Adding further weight to the scandal, another police officer, Artur Ago from Tepelenë, is suspected of sexually harassing the same girl. Ago is currently wanted by authorities, while P.B. has been placed under arrest.
Blackmail and Extortion Case
The investigation took another disturbing turn when two other individuals were implicated in blackmail related to the abuse.
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Kristian Prifti, 46 years old
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Isi Pasho, 27 years old
Both were arrested after allegedly attempting to extort €12,000 from officer Artur Ago. The blackmailers threatened to publish a video purportedly showing Ago in intimate relations with the underage girl. This development has expanded the criminal case beyond abuse to include charges of extortion and intimidation.
Institutional Response
The Local Directorate of Gjirokastër Police emphasized that disciplinary and criminal proceedings will follow the strict provisions of the law. Both Çenko and Ago have been suspended from duty pending further investigation. Meanwhile, P.B. remains in custody.
Authorities confirmed that the victim is currently under the protection of her family and receiving psychological support services to help her recover from years of abuse.
This case has reignited debate in Albania about the culture of silence within institutions and the urgent need for better safeguards to protect minors from abuse—particularly when perpetrators hold positions of authority.
Broader Implications
The scandal has not only damaged public trust in the police force but has also highlighted systemic failures in accountability. Critics argue that the State Police must strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure that officers who become aware of abuse or criminal behavior cannot turn a blind eye.
Civil society organizations have called for stronger training programs for police officers on child protection and the establishment of confidential reporting channels that allow victims or whistleblowers to bypass corrupt or complicit superiors.
If proven true, the failure of senior police officials to act despite knowledge of the abuse could constitute one of the most serious breaches of duty within Albania’s law enforcement in recent years.
The Gjirokastër abuse case has exposed a disturbing chain of misconduct, inaction, and criminal exploitation involving members of the police force. With multiple officers under investigation, and arrests already made, the case serves as a stark reminder that accountability within institutions must be non-negotiable—especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable minors.
As the disciplinary and criminal processes continue, the eyes of the public remain fixed on whether justice will be served, not only for the 16-year-old victim but also for the integrity of Albania’s State Police.