28-year-old Albanian, Alban Gjidiaj , accused of involvement in an international conspiracy to traffic weapons to the UK, has been released on bail by British authorities while he faces extradition proceedings in Albania.
According to Albanian authorities and court documents, Gjidiaj is suspected of being part of a structured criminal group that planned to transport eight firearms and a significant amount of ammunition from the port of Durres to gangs in British territory.
Gjidiaj was arrested earlier this year by the London Metropolitan Police, following an arrest warrant issued by the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK).
He was released on bail after posting a £5,000 bond, sparking backlash for his release despite the risk he poses to public safety.
If extradited and found guilty, he faces a sentence of 17 years in prison in Albania.
Gjidiaj has denied the charges and has stated that he will oppose extradition efforts.
According to a SPAK statement issued in July, on April 10, 2023, a van with British license plates was stopped at the port of Durrës, inside which eight pistol-type weapons (Glock, Herstal and Browning), four magazines and 201 9 mm caliber cartridges were discovered, hidden on a wooden table.
The weapons were without serial numbers, which, according to investigators, indicated their planned use in covert criminal activities.
In this case, Gjidiaj is accused of playing an auxiliary role in organizing transport and logistics.
An Albanian expert on organized crime, on condition of anonymity, told British media:
"The dismantling of this criminal organization by SPAK has saved lives. These weapons were intended for criminal groups in the United Kingdom and for the protection of cannabis farms or safe houses where narcotics are stored."
The same investigation also includes Almir Gjidiaj, 33, Albani's brother, who was arrested at a hotel in the Rosario Islands, off the coast of Colombia.
According to SPAK, he is considered the head of a sub-group in the United Kingdom, which was involved in managing arms trafficking on the black market.
Almir Gjidiaj, who previously registered a cleaning company in London, is accused of leading a network of trafficking medium and long-range weapons.
Alban Gjidiaj is expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 4, 2025, where the main hearing of the request for his extradition to Albania will be held.
He is currently under electronic monitoring (tag), required to stay at home from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, report regularly to a police station, and is not allowed to apply for travel documents.