2018 Shijak-group wiretaps: former PS MPs Arben Çuko and Arben Ndoka
Status: Released in 2018; 2024 arrest warrant reported for Ndoka (declared wanted per ABC News); outcome not confirmed
Summary
In 2018 former Socialist MPs Arben Çuko and Arben Ndoka were arrested after appearing in wiretaps of a group that reporting links to the Avdylaj family of Shijak. Çuko is reported to face passive corruption charges over prisoner permits; Ndoka is reported to face property-related charges including land dealings linked to the Avdylaj family. Both were released in November 2018 after a Serious Crimes Appeal Court ruling. A 2024 SPAK arrest warrant for Ndoka, Indrit Dokle and Plaurent Dervishi was reported; Ndoka was described as having been in Dubai for over a year. The connection between this group and the Habilaj group in the Saimir Tahiri file is not established in the sources read.
Key facts
- Ndoka was arrested the day after Çuko (exit.al).
- Released from jail in November 2018 after a ruling by the Serious Crimes Appeal Court (search summary).
- May 2024: arrest warrant reported for Indrit Dokle, Plaurent Dervishi and former SP deputy Arben Ndoka (ABC News).
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- Arrests and release from detention are reported (OFFICIALLY_REPORTED).
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationCriminal-group membership or cooperation with the Avdylaj family.
Allegations and who made them (2)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationPassive corruption: Çuko allegedly took 1,500 to 3,000 euros for prisoner permits (per reporting).
- AllegationNdoka: property-related offences, including land dealings linked to the Avdylaj family (per reporting).
Open questions (3)
- Final outcome of the 2018 trial.
- Status of the 2024 warrant.
- Any link to the Habilaj group (case-habilaj-tahiri).
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- Not captured in the sources read.
Timeline
Full timeline →Court
Çuko and Ndoka released from jail after Serious Crimes Appeal Court ruling
Former Socialist MPs Arben Çuko and Arben Ndoka, held together after arrests in the Shijak-group wiretap case, were released (as reported by exit.al).
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 3 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 3 sources
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- Nov 2018
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- 2018
- Publisher
- ABC News Albania
- Date
- May 2024