Albania is facing one of its most serious environmental and economic crime investigations in recent years, as new details emerge from the large-scale police operation codenamed “Eko-Toxic.” The operation, led by the Durrës Prosecutor’s Office, has so far resulted in the execution of 20 out of 33 security measures, targeting individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal management, smuggling, and concealment of hazardous waste linked to the Kurum case.
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| At the entrance of "KURUM", Elbasan, June, 2022 |
Coordinated Police Action Across Albania
The Economic and Financial Crime Investigation Section of the Durrës Local Police Directorate, in cooperation with police units from Tirana and Elbasan, carried out the arrests under the direction of the Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction in Durrës. The investigation focuses on a complex network allegedly involved in hazardous waste trafficking, document falsification, abuse of office, and money laundering.
Authorities confirmed that 13 suspects remain at large, as they were not found at their residences during the operation. Police have stated that efforts to locate and arrest these individuals are ongoing, including international cooperation due to the involvement of foreign nationals.
Criminal Charges and Environmental Impact
The 20 individuals already detained or placed under house arrest face serious criminal charges, including:
- Air pollution through the release of toxic and radioactive substances beyond permitted limits
- Smuggling of prohibited or restricted goods
- Smuggling conducted by customs-related officials
- Forgery of official documents
- Abuse of office
- Laundering of proceeds derived from criminal activity
These charges underline the systemic nature of the alleged crimes, which go beyond environmental damage and point to deep institutional failures. For Albania, a country aspiring to strengthen its environmental standards in line with European Union norms, the Kurum case is particularly damaging.
Key Arrests: Who Has Been Detained?
Among those arrested and placed in pre-trial detention are several individuals from Durrës, Tirana, and Elbasan, accused of playing direct roles in air pollution, illegal waste handling, and customs-related smuggling. Two individuals from Durrës were arrested specifically for toxic air pollution committed in collaboration, while others face charges for facilitating contraband through abuse of their professional positions.
Several public officials, most of them women working in administrative roles, have been placed under house arrest for alleged abuse of office. Prosecutors believe these individuals enabled or ignored illegal activities tied to waste documentation and oversight processes.
One suspect from Elbasan is also accused of money laundering, raising suspicions that profits generated from hazardous waste trafficking were intentionally concealed or reinvested.
International Dimension of the Case
A particularly alarming aspect of the Eko-Toxic operation is its cross-border dimension. Among the 13 suspects still being sought are citizens from Turkey, Germany, and Croatia, as well as Albanian nationals residing both inside and outside the country. This reinforces concerns that Albania may have been used as a transit or processing point for illegal waste originating abroad.
Illegal waste trafficking is a major issue in the Balkans, and Albania has long been considered vulnerable due to weak enforcement and limited transparency. The Kurum case could serve as a critical test of the country’s ability to dismantle transnational environmental crime networks.
Public Reaction and Albanian Context
For Albanians, the Kurum hazardous waste scandal touches a sensitive nerve. Environmental pollution, especially air pollution caused by industrial activity, has been a persistent concern in cities like Elbasan and Durrës. Many citizens have repeatedly raised alarms about health risks, lack of inspections, and silence from authorities.
The Eko-Toxic operation has been welcomed by environmental activists and civil society groups, who see it as a rare but necessary step toward justice. However, skepticism remains high. Albanians are closely watching whether this case will lead to final convictions or fade away like many previous high-profile investigations.
What This Means for Albania’s Future
The outcome of the Kurum case could have long-term implications for Albania’s environmental policy, law enforcement credibility, and EU integration efforts. Strong legal action and transparency would send a powerful signal that environmental crimes are no longer tolerated.
As investigations continue and authorities pursue the remaining suspects, the Eko-Toxic operation stands as a reminder that environmental protection is not only an ecological issue, but also a matter of public health, economic integrity, and national responsibility.
For now, Albania waits to see whether justice will follow through.