Albania is once again at the center of international attention after SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure) officially announced a large-scale operation against fraudulent call centers operating in Tirana, accused of scamming Italian and European citizens through fake cryptocurrency investments.
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| Several police officers in "Downtown One", Tirana, 19, 01,2026 |
SPAK’s Official Operation Against Crypto Scam Call Centers
According to the official SPAK announcement, the operation resulted in:
- 8 people arrested
- 3 brothers declared wanted: Agim, Alfred, and Arjan Prekaj
- 28 locations searched, including apartments, offices, vehicles, garages, and call center facilities
- Seizure of hundreds of computers, servers, phones, SIM cards, surveillance systems, and documentation
The investigation revealed that the call centers were professionally organized criminal structures, operating under the appearance of legitimate businesses, including entities under verification such as “Infinite” shpk.
How the Crypto Scam Worked
The fraudulent scheme operated through call centers in luxury buildings in Tirana, mainly:
- “Atti Tower”, located on Ibrahim Rugova Street
- “Downtown One”, on Bajram Curri Boulevard
Operators contacted Italian and European citizens, convincing them to invest in cryptocurrency platforms that promised high returns. Once victims transferred funds into virtual wallets, the money disappeared, and the platforms vanished.
The call centers operated in Italian, French, Spanish, and German, using trained staff with defined roles, scripts, and psychological manipulation techniques.
Advanced Security and Criminal Organization
SPAK and the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) uncovered a highly sophisticated security structure, including:
- Multiple security perimeters
- Static surveillance cameras
- Civilian observers monitoring the surroundings
On January 15, 2026, after sensing law enforcement surveillance, organizers emptied the call center overnight, destroying evidence and relocating equipment. Within hours, operations were restarted in another building, demonstrating advanced coordination and criminal awareness.
Despite these efforts, investigators managed to catch several suspects in flagrante, transporting equipment during the night.
Seized Assets: From Servers to a Ferrari
During the operation, authorities seized:
- Hundreds of computers and laptops
- Hard drives, servers, and memory devices
- Network and surveillance systems
- Call center documentation and scripts
- Multiple vehicles and motorcycles
- A luxury Ferrari, believed to belong to the organizers
These assets are now under forensic analysis as SPAK works to identify all victims and money flows, in cooperation with international authorities.
The Role of Italian Journalists “Le Iene”
A crucial turning point in this investigation was the work of Italian investigative journalists from “Le Iene” (Mediaset).
By infiltrating the call center with an undercover Italian citizen, journalists collected video recordings and internal data, which were later handed over to SPAK. This collaboration directly led to the opening of criminal proceedings no. 03/2026 for:
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Computer fraud
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Participation in a structured criminal group
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Organized crime activities
SPAK publicly thanked Le Iene, emphasizing the importance of international investigative journalism in exposing cross-border crime.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The suspects face charges under articles 143/b, 28/4, 333/a, and 334 of the Albanian Criminal Code, covering:
- Computer fraud
- Criminal cooperation
- Participation in a structured criminal group
SPAK confirmed that investigations are ongoing, focusing on:
- Digital forensic analysis
- Identification of all European victims
- Financial tracing of crypto transactions
- Arrest of remaining fugitives
A Warning to Albanian Citizens and Workers
SPAK issued a strong public warning about the growing phenomenon of online fraud through call centers, stating that this criminal activity will remain a top priority for law enforcement.
A direct appeal was also made to Albanians working in call centers, urging them not to become part of illegal schemes, even if disguised as legitimate employment.
Why This Case Matters for Albania
This operation highlights several critical issues:
- Albania’s reputation in the EU is at stake
- Crypto fraud is becoming a serious security threat
- Organized crime adapts quickly to technology
- International cooperation is essential
For Albania, this case is both a challenge and an opportunity: a challenge to confront cybercrime, and an opportunity to prove commitment to justice, transparency, and European standards.
The SPAK operation against crypto scam call centers in Tirana marks a major step forward in the fight against organized cybercrime. It sends a clear message: Albania will not be a safe haven for digital fraud.
As investigations continue, this case serves as a reminder that economic crime is no less dangerous than traditional crime, and that awareness, responsibility, and international cooperation are key to protecting both Albanian citizens and Europe as a whole.