SPAK’s operation against a group suspected of international drug trafficking and money laundering also affects three names associated with large construction projects in Tirana. According to preliminary information, SPAK and the State Police are executing 20 security measures, of which 15 are “prison arrest” and five are “house arrest”.
Artur Shehu and Ilir Shtufi have been declared wanted, as it is reported that the security measure “arrest in prison” has been assigned to them, while businessman Orest Sota was arrested during the operation.
Orges Birçaj is also reported to be wanted for the execution of the measure, to whom “house arrest” has been assigned. It is reported that Edmond Jaupin has also been placed under house arrest.
The persons involved are suspected of trafficking in narcotics, laundering large amounts of money and committing criminal offenses within a structured criminal group.
The operation may also have an impact on the construction sector in Tirana, as Ilir Shtufi controls or owns shares in companies that have some of the capital’s largest multi-story projects under development.
Security measures against persons do not automatically lead to the suspension of permits or the interruption of works, writes skyweb.al, however, the absence of owners and further investigations of SPAK for money laundering may affect the progress of the projects, if they are found guilty.
Projects related to Ilir Shtufin
“Mount Tirana” is a multifunctional tower with 58 floors above ground and seven floors underground, on Barricade Street.
The construction permit was approved on March 8, 2023 for the company “Nova Construction 2012”, today “Nova Construction Group”.
Ilir Shtufi owns 91% of the capital of this company, while 9% is owned by Kujtim Shtufi.
With a designed height of about 205 meters, “Mount Tirana” is one of the tallest towers under construction in the capital and at the time of approval it was presented as the tallest building in the country.
“Vertical Clock” envisages structures of different heights, with the highest reaching 41 floors above ground, as well as five floors of underground parking.
The project is located on “Muhamet Gjollesha” Street and the development permit was approved on October 18, 2023.
Developers are the companies “Develalb Construction” and “Edonil Construction”. Ilir Shtufi is the owner of 50% of “Develalb Construction”.
Another project of “Nova Construction Group” is multifunctional building with two structures of 44 and 55 floorsas well as five underground floors, on “Dritan Hoxha” Street, known as Bond Tower.
The building permit for this project was approved on November 20, 2024.
Pumice is also associated with Nova Hotel Five Starthrough the company “Ferro Beton & Construction Co”, where it owns 50% of the capital.
The project in the area of the former Guard of the Republic envisages a hotel, offices, services and housing, with 35 floors above ground and six floors underground.
Orges Birçaj and “Top Seven Tower”
The name of Orges Birçaj is historically associated with the company “Top Seven”, where he was an administrator until January 2020.
According to the current data of the commercial register, the sole owner of “Top Seven” is Erinda Lutaj, while the administrator is Bledi Shkëmbi.
“Top Seven” owns 100% of the company “Top Seven Construction”, which has received the permit for the construction of “Top Seven Tower”.
The project is located on “Dritan Hoxha” Street and includes two structures with 33 and 35 floors above ground, as well as four underground floors.
The construction permit was approved by the National Council of the Territory on July 2, 2024.
