Inside London’s Albanian ‘Mafia’ who bring fear to community dubbed ‘Little Tirana’
London’s Albanian Criminal Network Casts Shadow Over ‘Little Tirana’ Community
Nestled in a tranquil, green enclave of North London, a hidden network of Albanian-run criminal enterprises thrives beneath the surface. The area, centered around Southgate’s London Underground station, has become a hub for illicit operations including extortion schemes, human smuggling rings, and drug distribution networks.
A Criminal Fortress in the Making
Sources revealed to Metro that the lively, affluent suburb along the Piccadilly line has transformed into a secure base for this criminal network. These operatives leverage the specter of brutal violence to impose their demands on the local population. The extent of their control has led residents to nickname the station vicinity ‘Little Tirana,’ mirroring the capital of Albania.
Threats and Takeovers
Local establishments, including eateries and shops, are increasingly subjected to protection demands, with some compelled to surrender their properties to the Albanian ‘Mafia.’ According to Metro sources, the local populace remains apprehensive about voicing concerns due to the pervasive threat of violence.
“The Albanian gangs have a grip on the community and there is a lot of fear about being taken out [killed]. They have taken over some of the businesses and have threatened others.”
A notable incident occurred on Christmas Eve 2019 when an Albanian drug trafficker was killed in Battersea, southwest London, by a rival mob seeking retribution. Flamur Beqiri, 39, whose sister Misse gained fame on The Real Housewives of Cheshire, was fatally shot in front of his wife and young child. Anis Hemissi, the perpetrator, was sentenced for murder and firearms possession. Prosecutors highlighted Beqiri’s status as a high-profile drug trafficker in the Albanian capital.
Discreet Operations in Plain Sight
In contrast, the Southgate-based gang maintains its operations discreetly, without the ostentation of wealth, conducting activities from cafés and open streets. A source shared with Metro that many residents avoid public criticism of the gangs due to the risk of retaliation.
“We know who they are and where they operate out of. It has been reported to the police that they need to get a grip of this. It’s an international crime network which is colonising the area around Southgate station and is spreading up the high street.”
The shopkeeper in the area said he was ‘scared to death’ to upset the Albanian mob. He said: ‘I’ve been here for more than 20 years and we have never had any problems until the last couple of years. When the Albanian criminals moved in the whole atmosphere changed. They want to take all the businesses.’
A Dominant Force in the Region
Here in Southgate, and in the Cockfosters area, they are making life very difficult for shops to continue. Sometimes they pay people to cause vandalism or fight outside the shops to make life so difficult that they close. Then the Albanians move in. It’s been particularly bad for Greek Cypriot businesses.
Metro understands that while the Turkish ‘Mafia’ controls Tottenham and Wood Green, the Albanian gang holds sway over Southgate and Cockfosters. The two groups seldom confront each other, as Turks regard the Albanians’ violent tendencies with caution.
