Six alleged members of an Albanian criminal network, including its leader, have been charged in France with around fifty burglaries of luxury residences and the homes of public figures in France and Belgium.
The suspects are believed to have stolen goods worth more than a million euros.
The arrests occurred in two waves: two individuals were detained on 20 January in Luxembourg based on European arrest warrants issued by a court in Reims, France. Five additional suspects were taken into custody on Tuesday in the Reims metropolitan area, with four of them being charged on Friday.
The presumed leader of the Albanian gang called “Nikla” was apprehended on 20 January and had previously escaped from Treviso prison in Italy in June 2022. He was also wanted on an Interpol red notice for attempted homicide in Albania. His DNA, found at more than 30 burglary sites between June 2022 and September 2024, led to his identification. Most burglaries occurred in the Grand Est region and the Paris area.
Seizures from various searches are estimated at over €650,000 and include stolen jewellery, high-value watches, luxury leather goods, cash, and vehicles. Authorities state that the gang is responsible for over 49 burglaries, with total losses exceeding one million euros.
According to a source close to the investigation, the victims include business leaders from around Reims and football players.
