It all began in the tough council estates of East London, where a notorious gang known as the Hellbanianz first carved out their reputation.
Infamous for flaunting wealth, weapons, and a flashy lifestyle on social media, this Albanian cartel struck fear into the hearts of many Londoners.
But now, their story has taken a dramatic turn — with the gang’s top leaders relocating thousands of miles away to Dubai.
Life of Crime on the Gascoigne Estate
The Hellbanianz made their base in the high-rise towers of the Gascoigne Estate in Barking, where they ruled the streets, pushing cocaine and recruiting young Albanians into their ranks.
Unlike other gangs who try to stay under the radar, the Hellbanianz openly share images of themselves with guns, stacks of cash, and luxury cars, even starring in music videos that showcase their boldness — including one that featured military vehicles fitted with heavy machine guns.
The Fall of Their London Stronghold
That reign of terror was finally disrupted by a regeneration project led by Barking and Dagenham Council.
The council demolished nearly all the flats in the estate — flats that the gang had effectively taken over.
With their London headquarters gone, the Hellbanianz’s power base collapsed, forcing them to find a new home.
A New Chapter Begins in Dubai
MailOnline has learned that the gang’s leader, Ervin Selita, known as “Vinz,” has relocated to Dubai along with several of his trusted lieutenants.
Thanks to their drug-dealing profits, these former East London gangsters now enjoy a life of luxury in the Middle East — posting pictures of Rolls-Royces, desert buggies, and rooftop dinners with views of Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa on social media.
Behind the Glamour: The Gang’s Origins and Criminal Past
The Hellbanianz started as a rap group in East London around 2000 before evolving into a criminal organization by 2002.
Most members came from the Burrel area of northern Albania, arriving in the UK as young asylum seekers.
Growing up in Barking and Dagenham estates, they soon became involved in serious crime, including trafficking class A drugs for larger Albanian mafia bosses.
Violent Turf Wars and Prison Sentences
Their violent reputation was cemented with incidents like a 90-minute knife fight in Trafalgar Square between rival Albanian gangs in 2011, involving even teenagers.
Several members have since been jailed for armed robbery, murder, and drug offenses, with some still serving lengthy sentences in UK prisons.
Life in Dubai Offers New Opportunities and Protection
Crime experts explain the gang’s move to Dubai as a strategic choice.
The city offers them a chance to live lavishly and escape the police pressure they faced in the UK. Buying property worth hundreds of thousands of pounds in Dubai can also secure them a “golden visa,” allowing longer-term residence.
Beyond safety, Dubai’s elite drug dealer circles offer the Hellbanianz chances to expand their operations.
They can make connections with top-level traffickers and gain access to international shipping routes, moving their criminal careers to the next level while managing UK activities through their underlings.
Social Media Shows a Flashy but Dangerous Lifestyle
Members continue to promote their image through TikTok and other platforms, posting videos from Dubai and Albania.
Their posts glorify the gang’s motto, “We are God of the streets,” attracting young Albanians who see the gang’s flashy cars and lifestyle as a goal.
Meanwhile, members still behind bars or on the streets of Barking maintain the gang’s presence at home.
Supporters use social media to call for the release of jailed members, keeping the gang’s influence alive locally.
Barking and Dagenham Council’s Role in Regeneration
The local council has worked for over a decade to regenerate the Gascoigne Estate, removing dilapidated high-rise blocks and replacing them with modern, energy-efficient homes, parks, and a new secondary school.
The redesign aims to improve safety and community life, and officials say they continue collaborating with police to keep Barking safe.