Unclaimed money, over 1.5 million euros, seized in a few months at border crossing
Albanian citizens, but also foreigners who do not declare their income at the border, is one of the criminal offenses that has been increasing in recent years. Referring to the data of the State Police, in the 6 months of this year, the border police seized about 1.5 million euros. …
45 arrested on drugs charges in Elbasan to face court
Persons detained during the operation ‘Rrjeta’ for trafficking and distribution of narcotics, appear this Sunday in front of the court of Elbasan. Elbasan’s Prosecution has submitted the request for setting the security measure against 45 persons detained on June 29 thanks to the coded operation “Network”. 45 people were arrested …
Little boy injured as motorbike gets crashed by city bus in Tirana
A city bus of the Ringroad line in the Albanian capital, Tirana was involved in an accident this Sunday morning. Police informed that the bus collided with a motorcycle on “Ferit Xhajko” street. As a result, a 12-year-old, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was injured. Law enforcement announced …
Italian tourist saved after boat capsized in Shengjin beach
A tourist from Italy was saved in Shengjin beach after the strong wind overturned his sailboat making him fall into the sea. The 63-year-old man was pulled out of the water by the patrol services and transported by the Border Police’s boat. He was escorted to the premises of the …
Three thieves arrested in Lushnja
Two armed and masked people tried to rob a house in Bubullimë village in Lushnje. They were caught red-handed in the backyard as they were trying to get inside to commit the robbery. A 30-year-old man was also arrested, who transported these citizens to the scene and was waiting to …
Drug dealer arrested in Golem
An 18-year-old man was arrested after selling narcotics cocaine and cannabis in Golem beach bars. According to the data, the arrested person is Marsel Rusi, from the city of Korça. During the action, a quantity of these narcotics was seized, divided into doses ready for sale, as well as a …
As Western Balkans seek more financial assurances, EU Commission requests 2 billion euros in additional funds
TIRANA, June 30, 2023 – The European Commission, EU’s executive arm, has requested additional funds for the Western Balkan region during the review of the medium-term financial framework, looking for 2 billion euros more to supplement its already hefty financial contribution to a region that is slowly moving toward EU …
Woman stabbed by husband dies in hospital
Marjola Myrtollari, who was injured on June 4 of this year in Korça, by her husband Aleko Myrtollari, has passed away. The perpetrator Aleko Myrtollari stabbed his wife and then left the scene. He surrendered after two days. It is now expected that the prosecution will also change the charge …
Battle for Balkan Cybersecurity: Threats and Implications of Biometrics and Digital Identity
A surge in cyberattacks, particularly phishing and ransomware, has left Balkan countries to improve their defences against cybercrime, BIRN research shows. Original post Here
Two injured in Lezhë-Milot triple car crash
A triple accident happened this Friday morning on the Lezhë-Milot highway. Due to the crash, two people were injured, who were sent to Lezha hospital for check-up. As a result of the accident, traffic was created on this road axis. On its part, the investigative group is at the scene …
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 …