In a landmark achievement for law enforcement cooperation, the Tirana Police, in collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office, Colombian authorities, the Croatian Police, and with strong support from EUROPOL and EUROJUST, successfully finalized the international operation codenamed “Network.” This large-scale investigation targeted a structured criminal group involved in human trafficking, particularly the exploitation of women from Latin America and Central Asia for prostitution in Albania.
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| 4 Tirana police representatives on mission in Colombia |
The Core of Operation “Network”
The primary objective of Operation “Network” was to dismantle a cross-border criminal organization that operated across continents. According to official sources, this group specialized in recruiting vulnerable women from Latin America and Central Asia, luring them with false promises of employment, and then trafficking them into Albania for sexual exploitation.
Human trafficking remains one of the most pressing issues in Europe and beyond, with transnational criminal networks exploiting poverty, lack of opportunity, and vulnerabilities to profit from the suffering of victims. This operation shows Albania’s increasing role in tackling organized crime in partnership with international allies.
Key Figures Involved
Currently, a high-level Albanian delegation is in Colombia to coordinate with local authorities and oversee the final stages of the operation. The delegation includes:
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Ritvan Sukaj, Prosecutor of the case
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Erion Ismaili, Deputy Director of the Tirana Crime Investigation Department
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Arbër Zemani, Head of the Section for Trafficking and Narcotics Investigations
This team, together with Colombian law enforcement, worked intensively since Monday to finalize critical details of the operation. Their on-the-ground presence highlights the importance that Albanian institutions have placed on international cooperation to combat organized crime.
Arrests in Medellín
The final phase of Operation “Network” culminated in Medellín, Colombia, one of the main hubs for organized crime in Latin America. During this phase, 10 individuals were arrested, all suspected of being key members of the trafficking ring. These arrests represent a significant blow to the network’s ability to operate internationally.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts now focused on identifying additional members, financial backers, and logistics chains that supported the network’s operations across borders.
European Union Support
Operation “Network” was made possible through the support of key European Union programs and platforms dedicated to fighting organized crime, including:
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EU4FAST (EU Support to Strengthen the Fight against Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings in the Western Balkans)
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Western Balkans Criminal Justice (WBCrimJust)
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EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats)
These initiatives reflect the EU’s commitment to assisting the Western Balkans in strengthening their institutions, laws, and international collaboration in the fight against human trafficking and related crimes.
Albania’s Commitment Against Organized Crime
The success of Operation “Network” is not only a milestone for Albania but also a demonstration of the country’s growing capacity to stand alongside international law enforcement in combating organized crime. By working closely with partners such as EUROPOL, EUROJUST, and Colombian authorities, Albania has shown its readiness to tackle one of the most complex and dangerous criminal markets: human trafficking.
Authorities emphasize that this operation sends a strong message to criminal networks: Albania will not serve as a safe haven or transit point for human traffickers. Instead, the country is positioning itself as a proactive player in the global fight against cross-border organized crime.
Broader Implications
Human trafficking is a global issue that demands collective action. According to international reports, thousands of victims are trafficked across Europe each year, with criminal organizations generating billions in illicit profits. The joint success of Operation “Network” highlights how crucial international cooperation is in disrupting these criminal structures.
Furthermore, this operation strengthens the credibility of Albanian institutions within the European Union and the wider international community. It shows that sustained reforms, investments in training, and integration into international frameworks are yielding tangible results.
Operation “Network” marks a decisive step forward in the fight against human trafficking, showcasing the power of coordinated international action. With 10 arrests in Colombia and the dismantling of a major trafficking group, the operation underscores Albania’s determination to confront organized crime. Supported by EU projects and partnerships with EUROPOL, EUROJUST, and Latin American authorities, this case will stand as a model of cross-border law enforcement collaboration.
As investigations continue, it is expected that further arrests and prosecutions will follow, ensuring justice for the victims and dismantling the infrastructure of human trafficking. Albania’s role in this operation illustrates not only national determination but also the essential role of international solidarity in combating crime that transcends borders.