Inside London’s Albanian ‘Mafia’ who bring fear to community dubbed ‘Little Tirana’
Inside London’s Albanian ‘Mafia’ who bring fear to community dubbed ‘Little Tirana’
In the serene, green neighborhood of north London, a shadowy criminal group led by Albanians has quietly established itself. This network operates behind the scenes, controlling various illegal activities within the vicinity of Southgate’s London Underground station.
Local businesses and eateries are now subject to demands for protection money, with some forced to surrender their premises to the Albanian syndicate. The community’s sense of security has eroded, as fear of brutal retaliation looms large. This growing influence has prompted residents to refer to the area as ‘Little Tirana,’ a nod to the capital of Albania.
According to Metro sources, the local populace is hesitant to voice concerns due to the threat of violence. A notable incident involved the killing of a drug trafficker in Battersea on Christmas Eve 2019, highlighting how this organized crime extends its reach beyond Southgate. Flamur Beqiri, a 39-year-old man, was fatally shot in front of his wife and child, with his killer Anis Hemissi later convicted of murder and firearm possession.
Despite their dominance, the Albanian gangsters lack the flashy displays of wealth typically associated with such groups. They blend into the everyday life of the community, conducting operations from cafés and public spaces. A local informant emphasized that the group’s grip on the area is tightening, with businesses being gradually taken over or intimidated into compliance.
“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. It’s their turf for sure and they hide in plain sight.”
Shopkeepers report being harassed and targeted for extending the gang’s control. One business owner described the transformation of the area: “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.”
Police have focused on disrupting operations in Ashfield Parade, a key location for the gang. In 2023, Albanian people smuggler Arlin Leka was jailed after being found guilty of illegal immigration trafficking. Additional raids and investigations have been conducted, revealing ongoing challenges in containing the group’s activities.
While the Turkish ‘Mafia’ dominates areas like Tottenham and Wood Green, Southgate and Cockfosters remain under the control of Albanian mobsters. These groups rarely confront each other, with the Turks wary of the Albanians’ reputation for uncontrolled violence. The impact on Greek Cypriot businesses has been particularly pronounced, as they face increasing pressure to exit the market.
