Six individuals have been arrested and two others declared wanted following a large-scale operation targeting online pyramid schemes that defrauded dozens of citizens, primarily in the Fier region.
Fier Police Chief Skënder Litaj announced in a press statement that during the operation, authorities conducted 80 searches of individuals, residences, and businesses linked to these fraudulent schemes. Three suspects from Lushnjë, one from Tirana, and two from Divjakë were arrested, while two other suspects remain at large.
“This operation is the result of a months-long investigation based on verified intelligence and specialized investigative work, aimed at dismantling a suspected online pyramid scheme. The scheme operated through modern forms of financial fraud and the use of cryptocurrencies. The operation extended to the cities of Fier, Tirana, Dibër, Berat, and Gramsh, involving a total of 83 searches of individuals and residences,” Litaj said.
The investigation documented the activities of a network of individuals acting as key agents, promoting fake investment platforms that promised citizens quick and guaranteed profits. Positioned at the top of the chain, these individuals played a crucial role in recruiting new participants and guiding them via closed groups on apps such as Telegram. There, victims were instructed on how to invest in cryptocurrencies such as USDT and TRON, under the illusion that their investments would multiply.
The use of cryptocurrencies was deliberate—chosen for their difficulty to trace and the false perception many citizens hold of them as “modern” and safe investment tools. Through advanced blockchain analysis technologies and special investigative methods, authorities identified key actors operating on the ground who connected victims with the scheme’s organizers. The main organizers remain under investigation, with police and the Fier District Prosecutor’s Office pursuing all leads to fully uncover the structure and bring those responsible to justice.
Authorities emphasized that this case should serve as a strong warning to the public: do not believe in so-called “secure investments” that promise instant profits. Such schemes are sophisticated frauds that ultimately leave the most vulnerable citizens with devastating losses. The State Police reaffirmed its commitment to combating all forms of cyber and financial crime and called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cases.
As part of the operation, codenamed XUEX, all investigative and operational structures of the Fier Police Directorate were engaged. By court order, 83 searches were conducted across multiple cities in connection with the suspected online investment scheme.
Arrested individuals:
- Arbër Çela, 38, Lushnjë
- Emanuel Taullau, 21, Lushnjë
- Flavio Mukaj, 23, Lushnjë
- Marius Kodra, 28, Tirana
- Brunilda Todi, 38, Divjakë
- Brunilda Ndini, 38, Divjakë
Declared wanted:
- E. Sh., 35, Divjakë
- A. Sh., 29, Divjakë
According to police, the suspects acted as key agents in the scheme, which followed a classic pyramid model: participants were required to recruit at least five others to increase their profits. The more people recruited and the larger the amount invested, the greater the promised returns. In reality, no genuine investments were made—only the top levels profited, while most participants, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid, lost their savings.
