The Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has officially concluded its investigations and filed charges in the Special Court against one of Albania’s most dangerous criminal groups, led by the notorious Laert Haxhiu. This organized structure, active between April 2021 and May 2023, stands accused of a string of violent crimes that shocked the country — from premeditated murders to explosive attacks and acts of revenge.
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The SPAK Investigation
According to SPAK’s official statement, the criminal organization operated under the direct leadership and coordination of Laert Haxhiu, with key members Kristi Bixheku and Artan (Marjus) Tafani playing critical roles. The group faces a total of 14 criminal charges, all allegedly committed in collaboration.
The charges include:
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Premeditated murder
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Destruction of property with explosives
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Armed robbery
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Providing conditions for murder
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Murder for revenge
SPAK’s file describes a pattern of violence that spread across multiple Albanian cities, including Tepelena, Korça, and Peqin. Authorities believe that Haxhiu’s group acted systematically, following an internal code of retaliation and fear, aimed at maintaining control and exacting vengeance.
The Victims and Timeline of Crimes
The prosecution’s case lists several victims whose killings are attributed to the group. Among the confirmed incidents are:
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Çajup Selimi, murdered in Tepelena on June 1, 2021
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Fridman Xhaferraj, murdered in Korça on June 2, 2021
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Alban Semaku, murdered in Peqin on October 17, 2021
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Albi (Dijonist) Bashaliu, murdered in Peqin on December 27, 2021
In addition to these four murders, SPAK accuses the group of two attempted murders — targeting Kujtim Meta and Rexhep Gjina — and a series of explosive attacks carried out for intimidation and retaliation purposes.
Among the most notable incidents was a bomb explosion targeting the property of well-known Albanian rapper Rigels Rajku (Noizy) in Durrës, in June 2022. While no one was injured in that explosion, the attack demonstrated the group’s willingness to send violent messages to those they perceived as enemies or rivals.
The Motive: Revenge and Power
According to SPAK, the roots of this criminal structure lie in revenge. The group’s leader, Laert Haxhiu, allegedly formed the organization following the murder of his cousin, Klodian Haxhiu, and the arrest of several of his close associates.
Driven by personal loss and a desire to reassert dominance in the Albanian underworld, Haxhiu gathered loyal members to carry out retaliatory operations. Their primary objective, investigators say, was to eliminate individuals associated with a rival gang led by Aldo Bare, a name long linked to organized crime in Albania.
In addition to planned assassinations, the group engaged in armed robberies and property destruction using large quantities of explosives, creating an atmosphere of terror and instability in several regions of the country.
The Capture and Extradition of Laert Haxhiu
After months on the run, Laert Haxhiu was arrested in Greece and later extradited to Albania in July 2024 following coordinated operations between Albanian and Greek authorities. His arrest marked a major step forward in dismantling the network and gathering further evidence against its members.
Following the extradition, SPAK intensified its investigation, uncovering new details about the group’s internal communication, financial resources, and links to other criminal circles both inside and outside Albania. The case now moves to the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime, where Haxhiu and his alleged accomplices will face justice.
SPAK’s Message and Continuing Investigations
SPAK emphasized that this case represents one of the most complex and comprehensive investigations into organized crime in recent years. The prosecution noted that investigations remain ongoing against additional individuals suspected of involvement in the same criminal network.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to fighting impunity and sending a clear message to those involved in organized crime that “no one is beyond the reach of justice.”
Broader Implications
The dismantling of Haxhiu’s group is being seen as part of a broader crackdown on organized criminal structures in Albania, which have long operated with impunity across several regions. Analysts believe that SPAK’s proactive stance has begun to reshape the landscape of justice in the country, signaling a stronger institutional will to confront powerful criminal figures.
While the legal process is expected to be lengthy and complex, the case against Laert Haxhiu and his associates could serve as a precedent for future prosecutions of similar organizations. For Albania, which continues to battle the legacy of organized crime, this trial represents a crucial test of judicial integrity and law enforcement coordination.