A 48-year-old man declared internationally wanted by Italian authorities has been arrested in Tirana with the aim of extradition to Italy, where he has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for the criminal offenses of exploitation of prostitution and slavery/subjugation.
The arrest was made as part of the police operation codenamed "FAST", conducted by the Directorate of the Special Operational Force, following the exchange of information between FAST Albania and FAST Italy.
Bekim Nikolli, 48 years old, a resident of Tirana, was arrested, who was located in the area of the Agricultural Institute by the services of the "FAST Albania" Research Sector, in cooperation with the Italian authorities.
According to the State Police, the Naples Court of Appeal sentenced Nicolli in November 2021 to 13 years in prison for the criminal offenses of "Exploitation of prostitution" and "Enslavement/Submission", provided for by Italian criminal legislation.
According to Italian authorities, the 48-year-old, in collaboration with other individuals, exploited women illegally brought into Italy for prostitution. He is also suspected of using violence against his victims to keep them under control and maximize profits from his criminal activity.
Interpol Tirana is continuing the procedures for the extradition of Bekim Nikolli to Italy, where he will serve the sentence imposed by Italian justice.
