Arms smuggling network through furniture from Albania to England dismantled by SPAK

A group of criminals used seemingly innocent furniture orders to smuggle weapons from Albania to England. The carved wooden tables, armchairs and sofas they were requesting were not just furniture, but storage for the smuggled weapons, which were then picked up by three Albanians, who are now wanted for organising and running the illegal activity.

The investigation, conducted by the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) for over a year, revealed the role of each arrested person. Avdulla Hoxhaj, from Tropoja, in whose possession additional weapons were found, allegedly worked with Bojken Turtulli, who was responsible for transporting the weapons to Great Britain. Turtulli worked with a transport company in Tirana, facilitating the shipment of the weapons.

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Another member of the group, rifat Avdiaj, Ran a furniture store in the paskuqan Area. This store not only provided furniture for the home, but had also developed a specialized technique for hiding weapons and ammunition in furniture, making them invisible to routine checks.

The case came to light in 2023, when an Albanian national was arrested for carrying weapons hidden in furniture. Eight pistols and a large number of cartridges were found in his possession.

During the course of the investigation, a second transporter was identified, but ultimately only one of them was charged, as there was insufficient evidence to link the driver to the case. It was also revealed that the documents accompanying the orders, as well as the distributors, were forged.

Prosecutor Adnan Xholi stated that evidence indicates that this is an organized group, with three of its members, who live abroad, remaining at large.

As part of the recent investigations, authorities seized 24 pistols, a Kalashnikov, various weapon parts, 49 magazines, as well as special forces equipment and military clothing. Despite the findings, none of the three detainees have agreed to cooperate with authorities so far, and the investigation continues with a focus on the actions of the wanted individuals.