On April 29, 2026, Europol and Eurojust announced a successful joint operation by Austrian and Albanian authorities, which dismantled an organized criminal group engaged in large-scale online investment fraud.
The criminal network operated through several call centers in Tirana, Albania. For more than two years, the fraudsters deceived citizens of the European Union — primarily residents of Austria (Vienna), as well as Italy, Greece, and other countries. They offered “lucrative” investments through fake online platforms, using social media, counterfeit websites, and applications.
According to investigators, victims suffered losses exceeding €50 million. After people lost money on “investments,” the fraudsters would sometimes call again posing as a “fund recovery” service, attempting to extract additional payments.
On April 17, 2026, coordinated raids took place in Tirana: three call centers and nine private residences were searched. As a result:
10 people were arrested
Approximately €891,735 in cash was seized
A large amount of equipment was confiscated: 443 computers, 238 mobile phones, 6 laptops, along with hard drives and other storage media
The call centers were organized as fully functioning companies with sales, finance, IT, and management departments. Dozens of operators worked there, speaking multiple languages (including German, Italian, and Greek) to more effectively deceive victims from specific countries.
The operation was conducted by Austrian and Albanian law enforcement with active support from Europol and Eurojust. Europol provided expert assistance, including digital forensics specialists and real-time data exchange coordination. The seized devices are currently undergoing in-depth analysis, which may help identify additional members of the network and further victims.
This is yet another successful operation against call centers in Albania, which in recent years have become a notable hub for investment and telephone fraud targeting EU citizens.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and urge citizens to exercise caution regarding investments offered by phone or online.