For Albanian criminals, Dubai is no longer the safe refuge it once was for avoiding justice.

Over the past year, more than 10 well-known figures from the criminal underworld have been deported to Albania, even though the country does not have an extradition agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

The first to be returned was Bruno Çobo, on March 13, 2024. He was followed by Plaurent Dervishaj, Julian Meçe, Florenc Çapja, Dashnor Dumani, Armes Stafa, Ado Xhika, Ervis Daka, and Maksim Koçi.

The legal process behind their return remains unclear. While police refer to these cases as “deportations,” some of the individuals have claimed in court that they returned voluntarily and were not formally extradited.

Meanwhile, Durim Bami remains one of the most well-known fugitives still residing in Dubai. He has been arrested multiple times at the request of Albanian authorities but has yet to be returned. Before UAE authorities, Bami has argued that his life would be in danger if he were sent back to Albania.

Such cases are expected to continue. Besides Bami, many other wanted individuals are still believed to be in Dubai. However, following recent actions by Albanian authorities, it appears they may soon be forced to find another “paradise” that lacks an extradition agreement with Albania.