Significant areas of land in Drymades, Himara are coming under state control, following a large-scale money laundering investigation that revealed a multinational financial fraud mechanism focused on the purchase of real estate in coastal areas of southern Albania.
According to the case file, the seized lands in the Drymades area total more than 33 hectares and are part of a portfolio of assets allegedly acquired with funds derived from illegal activities. These lands are considered pivotal to the case, as they are directly linked to practices of undervalued real estate purchases and sales.
The investigation was conducted under the supervision of the Tirana Prosecutor's Office and led to a police operation that also seized three companies active in tourism and real estate management, two luxury vehicles and bank accounts in commercial banks. Authorities estimate that the total financial benefit from the alleged criminal activity is close to 30 million euros.
The central figure in the case appears to be a foreign national, who allegedly acted as the coordinator of the scheme, utilizing digital communication platforms to attract investors, without revealing his real identity. The sums of money were then channeled into a network of shell companies established in different countries, both in Europe and abroad.
In Albania, these companies appeared to be active in the tourism sector, concluding contracts with foreign companies and purchasing land in Drymades, Himara at values significantly lower than the actual market prices, which, according to the authorities, constitutes a key mechanism for laundering illegal income.
The prosecutors are now examining the entire route of the funds, while it is not ruled out that the case will soon be brought before the courts, with interest remaining focused on the reserved areas of Himara and how they fit into the broader international financial scheme that was revealed.
