Bus owner arrested over undeclared money at the border
This Monday morning, 121,680 undeclared euros were seized at the Port of Durres. The money was found hidden in the roof of the bus, of the “Durres-Bari-Durres” line. For this reason, the owner of the bus, Leonard Nikolli, was arrested in the act, while the driver was released. The authorities …
Man fails bank robbery, arrested by police
The tentative of a young man to rob a bank this early Monday in the capital of Albania, Tirana failed, as police caught him before he touch the money. The arrested is a 23-year-old was later identified as Enrik Ismalaj, who tried to rob a bank near Unaza e Re …
Three army officers arrested for abuse of duty
The Criminal Court has arrested 3 army officers in Zall Herr. The hearing session took place behind closed doors, while it is known that the suspects have not admitted the authorship of the criminal offense. They have emphasized that 140 hectares of land is impossible to control all of them. …
The elections of May 14 are certified, is sealed the total victory of the socialists
The result of May 14 are certified from the Central Election Commission, this Monday. Across the country, 53 municipalities are leaded by socialists, only 7 by the opposition coalition, Berisha-Meta and Finic Municipality, by Rometo Çakuli, of the Greek minority. Hegla Vukaj, proposed by the opposition in the Commission, did …
Clash between two people in Vlora, a 55-year-old man lost his life
A serious incident happened at noon today in the city of Vlora. As a result of a fight between two people, the citizen, Armando Meto, about 55 years old, died. According to footage provided by ABC News, the conflict took place between the premises of a bar near the Court …
Trapped by the collapse of the terrace in Durres, one dead
Two people were pulled out from under the ruins of the collapsed terrace in Qerret. It is learned that one of them died, while another was transported to the hospital. The incident took place a few minutes ago, while the police, ambulance and fire brigade are at the scene and …
Open Letter: Balance and proportionality must return in dealing with Kosovo and Serbia
Several key U.S. and European lawmakers have sent an open letter requesting changes to the current international approach to the Kosovo-Serbia crisis. Tirana Times is publishing its full text below: To: Miroslav Lajč ák Special Representative to the Western Balkans European Union Gabriel Escobar Special Representative to the Western …
Interceptions for Gjin Ndoji’s 2020 assassination unveiled
Interceptions from the investigation file on the ‘Metamorphosis’ operation have shed light on a series of criminal events, where known names of the world of crime, businessmen or even justice officials are involved. One of the crimes uncovered is the murder of Gjin Ndoji, where the file states that the …
17 injured in Pristina center bar’s mass shooting
Gunshots were recorded late on Friday evening in a bar in Kosovo. Local media reported that 17 people were injured in the shooting that took place in a bar in the center of Pristina, one of them in a serious condition. News of the event has been confirmed also by …
Interior Minister congratulates border police for handling TIA passengers’ flow
Interior Minister Taulant Balla inspected this Saturday the “Mother Teresa” Airport, where he saw closely the management of passengers flow. During his visit to Tirana International Airport (TIA), Balla thanked the Border Police which is doing an excellent job managing the influxof passengers. Although it is the peak of passenger …
During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here
Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here
Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here
Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …