A north London suburb known for its quiet streets and thriving local businesses is facing growing concern over alleged organised crime linked to Albanian gangs. The area around Southgate London Underground station in Southgate has reportedly become a hub for criminal activity, with locals claiming mob groups operate protection rackets, people-trafficking networks, and drug distribution operations.

Sources told Metro that the gang network has established a strong foothold in the well-heeled suburb along the Piccadilly line. Residents have allegedly nicknamed the area “Little Tirana,” referencing Albania’s capital, because of the influence of criminal groups believed to operate there.

Local businesses are said to face intimidation and pressure to pay protection money. In some cases, restaurants and shops have reportedly been forced to hand over their premises to gang-linked operators. Community members claim fear of violent reprisals has left many unwilling to report the activity publicly.

Concerns about Albanian organised crime in London have been highlighted before. In 2019, alleged drug figure Flamur Beqiri was shot dead outside his home in Battersea on Christmas Eve. He was killed in front of his wife and child, and his murderer, Anis Hemissi, was later convicted of murder and firearm possession.

Police attention in Southgate has focused on Ashfield Parade, which sources describe as a local stronghold for the network. In 2023, Albanian people-smuggler Arlin Leka was jailed after being found guilty of trafficking Albanian men into the UK.

Residents say intimidation has intensified in recent years. Some shopkeepers claim criminal groups deliberately create disturbances outside targeted businesses to force closures before taking over the premises.

Authorities are also concerned about the broader drug trade linked to these networks. Police estimates suggest organised gangs compete for a share of the UK’s £5 billion cocaine market, importing the drug from South and Central America and selling it at competitive prices to dominate local supply.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies including the National Crime Agency are believed to be monitoring Albanian organised crime groups operating in London. Despite ongoing investigations, residents in Southgate say the fear of violence continues to cast a shadow over the community.

Original Source: https://metro.co.uk/

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Key Takeaways

• Residents in Southgate claim Albanian criminal gangs run drug, trafficking, and protection rackets.

• Local businesses report intimidation, with some allegedly forced to close or surrender premises.

• UK authorities including the National Crime Agency are monitoring organised Albanian crime networks linked to London’s drug trade.

a new law is coming to sweden in september: any crime that can lead to prison will lead to deportation.

deportation rate is expected to becomes 6 times higher

In defence of other Albanians. I hired a former Albanian soldier to do some garden fencing, lay a patio. Worked like a dog, refused payment until job done and approved. Meticulous quotes, fully itemised. Insisted on bank transfer to business bank account. He was a bloke just wanting to get on in life, grafting.

In contrast, the lazy Watford (English) bastards who put my conservatory up. Registered company, 30 years standing. It took 12 months to do a 4 week job. They used my garden as a toilet, tossed empty Red Bull cans into it. 50% upfront, cash only. Invoices were discovered to have expired VAT numbers. Kept blaming COVID for delays. Forgot to order glass for the conservatory. Turned up when they felt like it. Baldie Gaffer pulled crocodile tears (literally) as he groveled for a payment to buy the glass (I had no choice, looking at the pile of conservatory framework that had just been delivered). Baldie kept boasting how his kids were at Cambridge.

Thanks I nearly forgot about the Albanians. Add them to the other slavs. The Ukranians and Polish. They come here, sleeping with our women, claiming benefits for extended families, taking our low paid jobs and flaunting their wealth. I'm sick of their woman shaking their asses in public places. They need to go back to their own country and deport that illegal immigrant paddington bear also.