UK Albanian underworld - high alert

Introduction

Albanian organized crime groups have risen to become major players in the UK’s drug trade, particularly in the cocaine and cannabis markets. While there isn’t a single “drug lord” controlling all operations, several key figures and groups have contributed to the Albanian mafia’s dominance in British organized crime.

Rise to Power

The Albanian mafia’s ascent in the UK criminal landscape can be traced through several stages

Initial Foothold

Albanian gangs first gained prominence in the UK by taking control of Soho’s brothel trade, exploiting trafficked women and using weapons from the Kosovo War.

Expansion into Drug Trafficking

Around 2015, Albanian crime groups began to shift their focus towards the lucrative drug market, particularly cocaine.

Direct Sourcing

Albanian gangs established direct connections with South American suppliers, allowing them to import high-quality cocaine at competitive prices.

Distribution Network

They developed an extensive distribution network across the UK, including the creation of “county lines” to move drugs from cities to coastal and inland provinces.

Market Dominance

By 2024, Albanian organized crime groups had established “considerable control” over Britain’s drug trafficking market, especially in high-quality cocaine.

Key Figures and Operations

While no single “drug lord” controls all Albanian criminal activities in the UK, several notable cases highlight the scale and sophistication of their operations

Bujar Cozminca

Arrested in May 2021, Cozminca was found to have supplied 100 kilograms of cocaine worth £8 million and laundered £2.5 million in criminal cash.

Edmund and Edward Hazier

The brothers ran the “Eddie line,” a cocaine distribution network in the Midlands. They were jailed in 2023 for over 15 years each.

Klodjan Copra

Jailed in 2017 along with 41 others for importing £60 million worth of drugs into the UK.

Hellbanianz

A new generation of Albanian gangs based in East London, known for flaunting their wealth on social media.

Factors Contributing to Success

Several factors have contributed to the Albanian mafia’s rise in the UK drug trade

Business Model

They developed an “end-to-end business model” from production in South America to street-level distribution in Britain.

Quality and Reliability

Albanian groups gained a reputation for providing high-quality products and reliable service.

Violence and Intimidation

Their willingness to use violence has been noted as a factor in their rapid rise.

Exploitation of Migrants

Albanian gangs have recruited newly arrived migrants struggling with economic resources, exploiting them in various sectors including drug trafficking.

International Connections

Strong ties to Albania and other European countries have facilitated money laundering and drug importation.

Conclusion

The Albanian mafia’s influence in UK organized crime continues to be a significant concern for law enforcement.

In 2024, they were characterized as an “acute threat” to the UK, highlighting their ongoing power in the criminal underworld.