They were known for their lavish holidays, designer clothes, and flashy cars, sharing glimpses of their jet-setting lifestyle across social media.
But behind the glamour, authorities believe there was a much darker story unfolding.
Klevis Hoxhosmani, a wealthy Albanian businessman with ties to the UK and a high-profile political family, has been arrested along with his brother Artur over an alleged role in a major international cocaine smuggling operation worth £335 million.
Brothers at the Heart of a Global Drug Plot
Albania’s organised crime unit made the arrest on Saturday, targeting the Hoxhosmani brothers for their suspected involvement in trafficking massive quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe, including the UK.
Authorities allege they were key players in a sophisticated criminal network spanning several countries and involving at least 16 members.
The group reportedly smuggled cocaine by sea and land, using ports like Antwerp and Rotterdam before shipping the drugs to France and then on to Britain.
The Political Connection Behind the Headlines
Klevis Hoxhosmani is in a relationship with Kejda Ajazi, the daughter of Majlinda Bregu, a former Albanian government minister who now works for a regional political organisation.
The couple are frequently photographed enjoying high-end lifestyles in London, Dubai, and Monaco, stepping out of supercars in head-to-toe designer gear.
Their glamorous image has now come under intense public scrutiny, with many in Albania questioning the origins of their wealth.
The timing of the arrest has sparked speculation about whether luxury and legitimacy were ever really aligned.
A Web of Businesses and a Criminal Past in the UK
Klevis isn’t a stranger to the UK. According to Companies House records, he has been linked to several businesses in Bournemouth, including a car wash and tyre shop.
He currently remains listed as director of Opa Coffee Limited, a company tied to an empty storefront in Bournemouth town centre.
He also has a criminal history in the UK. Back in 2014, he pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman in Ferndown and was ordered to carry out community service and pay compensation.
His older brother Artur was once the owner of Ferndown Hand Car Wash—another local business that recently came under attention when two workers were arrested for breaching bail conditions.
How the Alleged Operation Worked
According to prosecutors, the gang moved cocaine from Colombia or Ecuador in hidden shipments—concealed inside timber, boxes of bananas, cocoa bean sacks, and wooden pallets.
Once in Europe, the drugs were transported overland to France, and finally smuggled into the UK via the Channel Tunnel.
The group allegedly relied on encrypted messaging apps like Sky/ECC for coordination.
Texts from the platform show members panicking after a 250kg shipment was seized in France in 2020—believed to be bound for the UK.
Sophisticated Structure and International Reach
Prosecutors say the drug ring was anything but amateur.
The operation was described as “hierarchical,” with leaders funding and coordinating shipments while overseeing delivery from source to street.
Authorities allege the network extended across the UK, Europe, Dubai, and the UAE, and was supported by corrupted officials, including customs and port workers.
Cooperation From the Inside and Across Borders
One key suspect, Erion Alibej, is now cooperating with prosecutors.
In court, he claimed a gang associate was physically assaulted in London after a 50kg load of cocaine mysteriously vanished.
Investigators were able to piece together the group’s operations using decrypted messages and collaboration between Albanian prosecutors and European law enforcement.
UK agencies also supported the probe through data analysis and cross-border coordination.
Luxury Items Seized in Major Raids
Police haven’t just made arrests—they’ve also seized serious assets.
Among the items confiscated were a luxury yacht, high-end cars including a Mercedes AMG G63, and several expensive watches.
Officers also collected 16 mobile phones, 19 bank cards, three loaded pistols, and other evidence believed to be tied to the criminal enterprise.
Legal Action Underway and More Suspects Wanted
The Hoxhosmani brothers were arrested alongside two other men—Plarent Dervishi and Erion Alibej—who have already appeared in court.
Judge Erion Bani approved the request to keep them in custody as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, authorities are still hunting for two other men, Elidon Skëndaj and Ilir Lloshi, believed to be involved in the same operation.
A Cautionary Tale of Crime Behind the Curtain of Wealth
As the investigation continues, the case serves as a reminder that opulence doesn’t always equal innocence.
Behind the Instagram posts and luxury brands may lie an intricate web of criminal activity.
For now, Albanian prosecutors—backed by UK and EU enforcement agencies—remain focused on bringing all those involved to justice.