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’
Nestled in a serene, tree-lined neighborhood of North London, a hidden network of organized crime led by Albanians is gaining momentum. This underground group has established a stronghold around Southgate’s London Underground station, operating in relative secrecy while engaging in protection rackets, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
Residents have likened the area to a “criminal fortress,” with sources revealing that the Albanian mob exerts control through intimidation and threats. Local businesses, including restaurants, are increasingly subjected to demands for protection money, and some have even been forced to relinquish their premises to the group.
“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.”
The shadow of violence looms large over the district, with fear stifling public discourse. In 2019, a violent incident in Battersea, southwest London, underscored the reach of these criminals. Flamur Beqiri, a 39-year-old drug lord whose sister Misse gained fame on *The Real Housewives of Cheshire*, was shot dead in front of his wife and child. His killer, Anis Hemissi, was later convicted of murder and firearm possession, though the evidence painted Beqiri as a man living comfortably in the capital.
While the Albanian mob operates without the ostentation of luxury, their presence is felt in everyday life. They conduct their activities in cafes and on the streets, often unnoticed by passersby. A source told *Metro* that few locals dare to speak out, fearing retaliation by the gangsters.
Police efforts have targeted Ashfield Parade, a key location for the gang’s operations. In 2023, Arlin Leka, an Albanian people smuggler, was jailed after being found guilty of trafficking men illegally into the UK. Additional raids have been carried out, with ongoing concerns raised about the gang’s influence in 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.”
Shopkeepers report a shift in the neighborhood’s dynamics, with the Albanian mob making life challenging for local businesses. Some owners have been coerced into financing vandalism or conflicts outside their stores, leading to closures and the gradual takeover of commercial spaces. Greek Cypriot businesses have been especially affected, according to witnesses.
Though the Turkish ‘Mafia’ dominates areas like Tottenham and Wood Green, the Albanian group has carved out its own territory in Southgate and Cockfosters. The two factions rarely confront each other, with Turks apprehensive of the Albanians’ ruthless tactics. As the trial of a key figure concluded last year, the community continues to grapple with the gang’s growing power.
