New details have emerged from the investigation file of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) against the criminal group hit a few weeks ago.
In the interceptions administered by the investigators, the conversations in the encrypted Sky ECC application were revealed, where there is talk of transporting large amounts of money profited from cocaine trafficking to Albania.
According to the file, the money was allegedly hidden in vehicles arriving by ferry at the Port of Vlora.
In a January 2021 conversation, the person under investigation Ardian Zykaj communicates with other members of the group about two shipments of money that would arrive by sea.
From the communications it appears that it was about 2 million euros. In the conversations, two shipments of 1 million euros each are mentioned, while the transportation cost of 2% is also calculated, leaving about 980 thousand euros for each shipment, or nearly 1.96 million euros in total.
The part that attracts the attention of the investigators is related to the destination of this money. In the disclosed communications, one of the participants instructs that the amounts be delivered to a currency exchange point in Tirana. In the conversation it is said: “The address is at Dollari”, while then the persons communicate that they have arrived near the designated point and coordinate the delivery of the money.
According to SPAK’s suspicions, the exchange located in front of the Bank of Albania may have been used to launder money obtained from drug trafficking.
This track is part of the investigation, while the prosecution body is verifying the role that the persons and businesses involved in the circulation of these amounts may have had.
Investigations continue to document the entire scheme of transportation, delivery and suspected money laundering stemming from the group’s criminal activity.
Talk cleared by Sky ECC (January 2021):
Person 1: Lale, here in the group chat all. Write here in the group chat.
Person 2: Where should I take the money?
Person 1: The friend who is here in the chat group tells you. You will hand over the lek at an exchange point in Tirana.
Person 2: Ok, fine tomorrow.
Person 1: 1 million euros are coming to Vlora tomorrow. With 2%, transport costs 980,000 euros. Another load costs 980,000 euros.
Person 1: So, in total there are 1 million and 960 thousand euros to be transferred to the exchange in Tirana.
Person 2: The ferry just pulled into port. I believe in an hour I take my things and leave. Then give me the address.
Person 1: The address is at “Dollari”.
Person 2: Ok bro, when I’m there I’ll tell you.
Person 2: I came to “Dollari”. That’s enough to answer me and guide me.
Person 2: I’m at the post office, with a Golf.
Person 1: You will count the coins.
