Two Members of Albanian Burglary Network Arrested in Luxembourg
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Loading... - Mesi Osama
- 11 Mar 2025
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Authorities have arrested two members of an Albanian criminal network linked to nearly 50 high-end burglaries across France and Belgium. The arrests were made under European warrants, highlighting the extensive operations of this group, particularly active in the Grand Est region of France and Belgium.
The six suspected members of the network have been charged in connection with these burglaries, which primarily targeted luxury residences and the homes of public figures. According to a source within the gendarmerie, the stolen goods are believed to be worth over €1 million.
The arrests occurred in two phases. On January 20, two alleged members of the 'Nikla' network were apprehended in Luxembourg based on European arrest warrants issued by authorities in Reims. Following this, five additional individuals were detained in the Reims area, with four of them formally charged shortly thereafter.
Among those arrested was the alleged leader of the gang, who is also wanted for attempted homicide in Albania. This individual had previously escaped from Treviso prison in Italy in June 2022 and was the subject of an Interpol red notice. His genetic profile linked him to more than 30 burglaries committed between June 2022 and September 2024, primarily in the Grand Est and Paris regions.
Investigations led to searches that resulted in the seizure of stolen jewelry, high-value watches, luxury leather goods, cash, and vehicles, with a total value exceeding €650,000. The gendarmerie reported that the group is responsible for at least 49 burglaries, resulting in losses of over €1 million.
Victims of these burglaries have primarily included businessmen from the Reims area and professional football players. The case has been investigated by the Central Office for Fighting Mobile Organized Criminal Groups, in collaboration with various local law enforcement agencies, including the Research Section and Research Brigade of Reims, as well as the Anti-Banditry Brigade of the Criminal Investigation Department in Paris.
The arrests of these individuals mark a significant step in combating organized crime linked to high-end burglaries in Europe. The ongoing investigation underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across borders to dismantle such criminal networks.
