WHAT POLICE CONFIRMED
Albanian State Police announced on 29 July 2026 that French authorities had confirmed the arrest in Amiens of a 44-year-old Albanian national identified in the official statement by the initials E. B. Police said the arrest followed information-sharing and cooperation between Interpol Tirana and Interpol Lyon.
The detainee had been internationally wanted at the request of Albania’s Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organised Crime, known as SPAK. According to the statement, he was initially stopped by the French Air and Space Force before the matter was referred to the French Gendarmerie.
LEGAL STATUS
Albania’s Special Court of First Instance had imposed a detention order. The police statement lists suspected offences including unlawful deprivation of liberty, unlawful competition through violence, violation of equality in public tenders or auctions, participation in a structured criminal group and laundering the proceeds of crime.
These are allegations within an ongoing legal process and do not amount to a final finding of guilt. The presumption of innocence applies unless and until a final court judgment establishes otherwise.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
State Police said the detainee had been placed in custody and was expected to appear before the Criminal Court of Amiens. The international alert is due to be formally communicated there as part of proceedings that may lead to extradition to Albania.
The arrest does not mean that extradition has already taken place. The process passes through French authorities and courts, which assess the legal basis and relevant safeguards before any transfer.
WHY THE DEVELOPMENT MATTERS
The arrest demonstrates international police cooperation in a case pursued by SPAK. It also begins the procedural stage that could bring the wanted person before Albanian justice, without prejudging the outcome of the investigation or any future trial.
ON MEDIA.AL will update this story only if Albanian or French authorities confirm a material new development, such as a court decision or a concrete step in the extradition process.