How was the Koçeku brothers' money laundered? 100 million euros of assets seized, Orgest Birçaj's business blocked

The Special Prosecution Office has cracked down on a structured criminal group in the Kamza area. The group is led by two brothers, Abedin and Luciano Koçeku, who were involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

According to data registered with the National Business Center, Koçeku fully owns the company "GAV Invest", founded in 2022, with the object of activity in the field of construction, design and investment in residential, tourist and industrial complexes.

His name also appears in the energy sector. He is a shareholder in the company "Ballenja Kompani", which has obtained the concession for the construction and operation of the "Ballenjë" hydroelectric power plant in Bulqizë. In this company, Koçek also had an administrative role along with other partners.

In addition, he also has a shareholding in the company "SGD Energji", engaged in the production and trading of electricity.

Luciano Koceku has previously been in the media spotlight for an incident that occurred in the summer of 2024 in Palasa, where it was reported that he was involved in a physical conflict at a tourist resort.

All businessmen involved in the investigation are suspected of laundering the proceeds of this criminal group's illegal activities. SPAK has seized 100 million euros in property as part of this investigation.

Seized money

The imposition of preventive seizure on movable assets, monetary amounts in euro currency located in the bank account of notary public Amela Mukaj, a natural person, as follows:

i) The amount of money 110,247,134 euros, according to the sales contract with no. 2062 rep., no. 1166 col., dated 24.04.2026 with parties Artur Shehu and "Albanian Land Development" sh.pk, located in the account number 435001036CLPRBFEURMJ of the notary AMELA MUKAJ INDIVIDUAL PERSON.
85

ii) The amount of money 10,044,684 euros, according to the contract with no. 2060 rep., no. 1164 col., dated 24.04.2026 with parties Ferdinand Sulaj and Burbuqe Sulaj and "Albania Land Development" sh.pk, located in the account number 435001036CLPRBFEURMJ of the notary AMELA MUKAJ PHIZIK PERSON.

iii) The amount of money 8,062,619 euros, according to the contract with no. 2061 rep., no. 1165 col., dated 24.04.2026 with parties Ferdinand Sulaj and Burbuqe Sulaj and "Albania Land Development" sh.pk, located in the account number 435001036CLPRBFEURMJ of the notary AMELA MUKAJ PHIZIK PERSON.

Orgest Birçaj's business blocked

By order of SPAK, the luxury car rental business, 'Top Seven', located near the former Bus Station in Tirana, has been blocked.

The business turns out to be owned by a woman, Erinda Lutaj, but is suspected to be owned by businessman Orgest Birçaj.

Against the latter, SPAK has issued the security measure "arrest in prison" as part of the operation against the group led by Luciano and Abedin Koçeku, a group that had expanded its activity into the field of drug trafficking and money laundering.