The former head of the Durrës Cadaster in Albania, Rajmonda Dashi, has been placed under house arrest, and businessman Ardian Malasi has been arrested on the orders of the Special Prosecutor’s Office.

They are suspected of collaborating with Albanian brothers Besjan and Leonard Rama, who have been convicted in Belgium for drug trafficking.

The investigations in Albania were initiated following documents received from Belgium and conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Police.

According to the Special Prosecutor’s Office, the two wanted brothers engaged in a series of continuous unlawful activities, with assistance from Dashi and Malasi. Their aim was to launder the proceeds gained from their criminal activities through investments in illicit assets in Albania.

The Special Prosecutor’s Office further elaborated that their actions were intended to transfer wealth with the goal of concealing its illicit origin, as well as hiding or obfuscating ownership or rights related to these assets.

“They were fully aware that this wealth was a product of criminal activities or misconduct, and they sought to acquire ownership, all the while knowing that these assets were tainted by criminal origins,” the Special Prosecutor’s Office explained.

Dashi’s role appears significant, possibly linked to her responsibilities in property registration offices.

Numerous assets belonging to this group have been subject to seizure. These include 12 apartments in the city of Fier, 4 apartments, and 3 garages in Tirana. Additionally, 27 bank accounts, two vehicles, and a trading company have also been seized.

The Special Prosecutor’s Office has underlined that investigations are ongoing, with the objective of uncovering more assets and individuals potentially involved in this illicit activity.