In a case that’s stirred major controversy, an Albanian heroin dealer caught with mountains of cash and high-purity drugs has avoided deportation from the UK—despite his criminal record and the government’s efforts to send him back.

Olsi Beheluli, who moved to the UK at age 9 and later became a naturalised British citizen, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his involvement in a major drug operation.

Now, despite calls from the Home Office and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to revoke his citizenship, he’s been told he can stay.

From Glamour to Criminal Charges

Beheluli, once an aspiring model and even a self-proclaimed TV contestant on My Little Princess (a Channel 4 dating show), had all the signs of living the high life.

But it turns out, the money behind his flashy lifestyle came from illegal drug deals.

In 2015, he was caught transporting more than eight kilograms of heroin, valued at over £200,000.

At the time, police found images of him beside £250,000 in cash—photos he had posted online.

He claimed the money belonged to a relative and that the photos were taken in Albania, but officers matched the decor in the pictures to a home he once rented in London.

Home Office Accuses Him of Lying to Secure Citizenship

Eight months before his arrest, Beheluli had submitted a citizenship application, claiming he wasn’t involved in any criminal activity.

Officials now argue that the lie disqualifies him from remaining in the UK and invalidates his British citizenship.

According to their case, someone trusted with such a large quantity of heroin would likely be a senior player in the operation, not just a first-time participant.

They also flagged the fact that he held £24,000 in his bank account, which he claimed were World Cup betting winnings—though police found betting slips showing multiple high-stake wagers at Ladbrokes and William Hill.

But the Judge Says There’s “No Solid Proof”

Despite the circumstantial evidence, a lower-tier tribunal judge dismissed the case, stating there was no direct surveillance or witness testimony linking Beheluli to ongoing criminal activity at the time of his application.

Even after an appeal, an upper tribunal judge agreed that while Beheluli’s role seemed significant, the lack of hard evidence meant the argument didn’t meet the legal threshold.

So for now, he stays in the UK.

Another hearing has been scheduled, but until then, Beheluli remains on British soil.

Arrest at the “Stash House” and Gang Connections

When police arrested Beheluli in north London, he was heading to a known stash house in Neasden, where they discovered scales, fake identity documents, and more damning material.

His phone provided even more evidence, including that now-infamous image next to hundreds of thousands in cash.

Beheluli wasn’t acting alone. He was convicted alongside fellow gang members Besim Topalli and Azem Proshka at Blackfriars Crown Court in April 2015.

The trio received a combined sentence of 31 years. Proshka and Topalli admitted to drug trafficking, money laundering, and using fake IDs—and are still expected to be deported after serving their terms.

Authorities Say His Luck Finally Ran Out

According to Oliver Higgins from the National Crime Agency, Beheluli had been living large on money made from Class A drug deals—gambling, flaunting wealth, and enjoying the lifestyle.

But, Higgins warned, “In the end, his luck ran out.”

He added that this case should put other criminals on edge, knowing that the NCA was watching.

What’s Next for Beheluli?

While his co-defendants will likely be deported, Beheluli has found a legal loophole for now.

His British citizenship still stands, and he won’t be sent back to Albania—at least not yet.

A further court hearing may change that

But this decision is sparking frustration within the Home Office, where officials argue it’s “beyond logic” to believe he wasn’t already involved in drug trafficking when trusted with such a high-value operation.

So for now, Olsi Beheluli remains in the UK—a convicted drug trafficker, a former “model,” and a very controversial British citizen.