Suspected godfather of Albanian drug-trafficking groups: who is Shpëtim Aliu, arrested in Russia

Shpëtim Aliu has been arrested in Russia as part of the international operation “The Wanted”, after cooperation between Interpol Tirana and their Russian counterparts.

He was wanted internationally by the Albanian authorities, while the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) had imposed the security measure of “prison arrest” on him in June 2026.

According to Albanian authorities, Aliu is suspected of criminal offenses related to drug trafficking, laundering the proceeds of criminal activity, as well as participation in a structured criminal group and committing criminal offenses within a criminal organization.

Shpëtim Aliu’s name has also been mentioned in previous SPAK investigations into suspected organized crime activity. According to reports on the investigative files, he was identified by the nickname “Salvatore” and is considered by investigators to be a person with a role in a suspected international cocaine-trafficking network.

Salvatore Aliu, for whom SPAK issued an arrest warrant, is considered the godfather of Albanian drug-trafficking groups and is suspected of laundering at least 30 million euros in Albania from criminal activities.

A key figure appears to have been his brother, Isa Aliu, who officially owns four different companies used for investments in real-estate purchases — villas, apartments, land — as well as construction, including hotels in the country’s tourist areas.

The reported investigations into communications on the encrypted Sky ECC app have mentioned his contacts with other persons suspected by the authorities of involvement in Albanian criminal groups in various European countries.

He was also part of the 10-trafficker case in the anti-drug operation carried out by SPAK a few months ago.

His arrest in Russia was part of a series of operations by the Albanian Interpol against internationally wanted persons. Operation “The Wanted” was developed in cooperation with foreign police structures, with the aim of locating and arresting persons wanted by Albanian justice.