A major security operation in Chile, codenamed “Cancerbero,” has placed an Albanian national at the center of an international organized crime crackdown. Viktor Gjini, 58, an Albanian citizen sentenced to 10 years in prison for international drug trafficking, was among nine high-risk inmates transferred from prisons in Santiago to La Laguna Prison in Talca.
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Albanian National Viktor Gjini and the Cocaine Network to Europe
According to Chilean investigators, Viktor Gjini was allegedly leading a criminal organization in 2023 that trafficked cocaine to the Netherlands through the port of Valparaíso, working in cooperation with Asian nationals.
Authorities allege that Gjini offered $20,000 to an undercover agent in an attempt to arrange the concealment of approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride inside a shipping container.
The investigation eventually led to Gjini’s arrest, along with other individuals allegedly connected to the international drug-trafficking network. He was subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison for international drug trafficking.
“Cancerbero”: Chile Transfers Nine High-Risk Criminals
The transfer was part of Operation Cancerbero, which targeted nine inmates considered particularly dangerous and connected to transnational criminal organizations.
The group includes alleged leaders and members of Tren de Aragua, Los Pulpos and Los Espartanos, as well as individuals linked to Chinese and Albanian criminal networks.
Among those transferred were:
- William Gianmarco Rosado Tomás, alias “Wara,” an alleged leader of Los Pulpos accused of murder and weapons offenses.
- Jesús Rojas Morales, associated with the Loyalty faction of Tren de Aragua.
- Carlos Efrén Carrillo Armada, alias “Carlitos Cartier,” alleged leader of Los Cartier.
- Jean Carlos García and Jackson José Herrera Mijares, known as “Los Mapaches,” accused of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking and extortion.
- José Kattah Solano, linked to Los Ñaños and other criminal organizations and accused of kidnapping, organized crime, usurpation and involvement in a contract killing.
Chinese Mafia Figures Also Among Those Transferred
Several inmates allegedly connected to the Chinese criminal organization known as “Bang de Fujian” were also transferred.
They include Yuping Zheng, Xianan He, Xiaohui Shi, Xiaotong Wu and Weimin Xiao, who was sentenced to 10 years and one day in prison.
According to Chilean authorities, Xiao allegedly headed a criminal structure operating across several properties and involved in illegal drug-related activities.
During searches conducted on January 31, 2025, authorities reportedly seized cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, caffeine, tramadol and “pasta base” at locations connected to the network.
Why Viktor Gjini’s Case Stands Out
The presence of Viktor Gjini among the nine inmates transferred under Chile’s high-security operation highlights the international dimension of the drug-trafficking networks being investigated by Chilean authorities.
According to the investigation, the Albanian national was not involved merely in local drug activity but was allegedly connected to a trafficking route linking South America, Chilean ports and the European market, particularly the Netherlands.
The case also illustrates how criminal networks operating in Chile can bring together individuals from different nationalities, including Albanian, Chinese and Latin American organized crime groups.
The ninth inmate, Juan Eduardo Pacheco Alarcón, is the only Chilean citizen on the transfer list. He is accused of murder and is suspected of having been a close associate of drug trafficker Wladimir Silva Soto, alias “Cogote de Toro,” who was killed in La Pintana in 2020 during a territorial dispute over control of the drug trade.