Albanian wanted for ‘ordering hit in blood feud’ lived in Britain undetected for years

An Albanian fugitive accused of orchestrating a murder linked to a blood feud has reportedly lived in the UK undetected for four years.

Lorenc Lala, 47, was arrested this week after Albanian authorities traced him to the UK and issued an extradition warrant to return him for trial. He is accused of arranging a €50,000 (£42,000) payment for the 2021 killing of Albi Bashaliu, allegedly in retaliation for an earlier murder in the village of Gjocaj, Peqin.

Lala is believed to have fled to the UK to escape European justice mechanisms, thinking Britain would be a safe haven following its departure from the EU and the European Arrest Warrant system.

An expert on Albanian organised crime warned that a new wave of criminal fugitives from Albania, as well as Italy, Greece, and Germany, are entering the UK illegally, often in lorries, to avoid extradition and prosecution.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the situation, stating, “The UK must not become a refuge for dangerous criminals. Stronger border security is essential to stop illegal migrants and offenders from entering the country.” He also expressed concern that Lala could exploit the UK’s human rights laws to avoid extradition, calling for reform in immigration-related legislation.

Lala, also known as Kristian Lala, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police’s extradition unit and has appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on conspiracy to murder charges. He remains in custody ahead of another hearing scheduled for July.

The Albanian State Police confirmed Lala had been charged in absentia for his role in organising the killing of Bashaliu, creating conditions for the murder, and aiding the killer’s escape. He is also accused of being part of an organised criminal network.

Authorities in Elbasan said the case was cracked after a member of the group turned informant. Kreshnik Ajazi, head of the Elbasan prosecutor’s office, praised the UK’s cooperation and said Lala’s arrest and potential extradition reflect the strong partnership between both countries in fighting crime.

A Home Office spokesperson emphasized that the UK maintains international law enforcement cooperation, including with Albania, to ensure it does not become a haven for fugitives. A Home Office source clarified that the UK has formal extradition agreements with Albania, independent of the EU framework.

In 2023, The Telegraph reported that the influx of over 12,000 illegal Albanian arrivals via the Channel in 2022 contributed to a rise in crime, with 80 individuals jailed for a total of 130 years within just four months. However, recent agreements between the UK and Albania have led to a significant reduction in crossings, with only 630 Albanians making the journey in 2023.