In a decisive move against street crime, the Tirana Police have successfully dismantled a violent gang responsible for attacking taxi drivers and robbing citizens in the Albanian capital. The operation, codenamed “Episodes”, was carried out by the Police Commissariat No. 4, leading to the arrest of three individuals — including one woman — all suspected of a series of violent robberies and thefts across the city.
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| Police officers escorting one of the accused to the police station. |
How the Operation “Episodes” Unfolded
Police investigations revealed that Qefalia and Byberi first attempted to rob a taxi driver on “Selaudin Zorba” Street by using physical force to steal his wallet. Shortly after, they allegedly stole a mobile phone from a woman on “Tahsim Shehu” Street. During the pursuit, officers discovered that the third accomplice, Mija, was traveling in the same taxi as the two suspects at the time of the attempted robbery.
Following swift police coordination, all three were apprehended. Law enforcement also seized the stolen mobile phone, which is now being held as evidence in the ongoing investigation. The phone will play a crucial role in connecting the suspects to additional thefts and violent incidents that have occurred in recent weeks.
Repeat Offenders and Ongoing Investigations
What makes this case particularly concerning is that all three suspects have previous criminal records for similar offenses. Police sources confirmed that Ajla Qefalia was already under a court-imposed measure of “house arrest” for prior theft-related crimes. Despite this restriction, she allegedly continued to engage in criminal activities, demonstrating a blatant disregard for judicial orders.
The Tirana Police emphasized that this group was well-known to law enforcement and had been under observation due to their recurring involvement in street crimes. Their arrest marks a significant step toward improving public safety and restoring trust among taxi drivers and pedestrians who have recently reported an increase in petty crime in certain neighborhoods of the capital.
Authorities are now conducting further investigations under the direction of the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office, aiming to determine whether the group was involved in other unsolved robberies across the city. Police officials have also called on potential victims who may have experienced similar incidents to come forward with information.
Official Police Statement
In their official press release, the Tirana Police stated:
“The operation codenamed ‘Episodes’ has been finalized by Police Commissariat No. 4. The suspects attempted to violently rob a taxi driver’s wallet and later stole a woman’s phone. All three individuals, with prior records for theft, are now under arrest. One of them was already serving a house arrest sentence for the same type of offense. The stolen mobile phone has been seized as evidence.”
Police reaffirmed their commitment to fighting organized and street crime, emphasizing that maintaining citizen safety remains one of their top priorities. Regular patrols and undercover surveillance operations are being strengthened in high-risk areas to deter further offenses.
The Broader Impact on Public Safety
Street crime, particularly theft and robbery, has been a recurring concern for residents in Tirana. The dismantling of this group sends a strong message to criminal networks that the Albanian police are intensifying their efforts to ensure safer streets. Taxi drivers, often working late-night shifts, are among the most vulnerable to such attacks, making this operation a crucial win for the community.
The arrests have also reignited discussions on criminal rehabilitation and the effectiveness of preventive measures, especially when offenders under house arrest continue to commit crimes. Public safety experts suggest that better monitoring technologies and stricter enforcement could help prevent such incidents in the future.