Arrested in Dibër for exploiting Eastern European girls for prostitution — sentenced to 9 years in Italy, now faces extradition

State Police announced today (September 18) that Gëzim Dani, alias Gëzim Hidri, internationally wanted by Italian authorities, was captured in Peshkopi as part of Operation “Fast.”

The 40-year-old, sentenced by Italian courts to 9 years in prison for “Criminal organization” and “Exploitation of prostitution,” was located and arrested thanks to the cooperation of FAST Albania with the State Police structures and Italian counterpart authorities.

Police announcement:

“State Police. The Operational Special Force Directorate, in cooperation with Dibër Police, has finalized the next phase of the codenamed operation ‘Fast.'”

“Captured in Peshkopi: one citizen of high social risk, sentenced in Italy to 9 years in prison for ‘Criminal organization’ and ‘Exploitation of prostitution.'”

“In continuation of the cooperation via Interpol Tirana and counterparts in Italy, for locating and capturing citizens declared internationally wanted, specialists of the Search Sector (FAST Albania) at the Operational Special Force Directorate, in cooperation with Dibër Police services, finalized another phase of the codenamed operation ‘Fast,’ during which Gëzim Dani, alias Gëzim Hidri, 40, was captured in Peshkopi and arrested.”

“This citizen had been declared internationally wanted by Interpol Rome, Italy, after the Naples Court of Appeal, by its decision of 15.11.2021, sentenced him to 9 years in prison for ‘Criminal organization’ and ‘Exploitation of prostitution,’ because he exploited girls from Eastern Europe for prostitution in the Naples area in 2009.”

“Interpol Tirana, in cooperation with Interpol Rome, is continuing the procedure for the 40-year-old’s extradition to Italy.”