Greek court approves Ilir Shtufi’s extradition to Albania; 53-year-old wanted by SPAK for laundering cocaine proceeds

The Thessaloniki Court of Appeal has cleared the way for the extradition of Albanian businessman Ilir Shtufi, approving the enforcement of the international arrest warrant issued by the Albanian authorities.

The 53-year-old is wanted by the Albanian justice authorities for participation in a criminal organization and money laundering. According to the authorities, the criminal offenses of which he is accused are linked to drug trafficking cases in Tirana.

Shtufi was arrested in June of this year while staying at a hotel in Thessaloniki. Officers from the Northern Greece Organized Crime Subdirectorate took part in the operation, acting on information provided by INTERPOL.

At the court hearing, the businessman asked not to be handed over to the Albanian authorities and denied the charges against him. He claimed that the case was politically motivated and that he had been targeted because of his support for the opposition in Albania.

Shtufi also raised concerns about his personal safety and questioned the impartiality of the Albanian justice system. However, his arguments failed to persuade the Thessaloniki Court of Appeal, which approved the extradition request.

After being handed over to Albania, Ilir Shtufi is expected to stand trial on the charges brought by the Albanian Prosecutor’s Office.