Reims, France — Six alleged members of an Albanian criminal network, including its suspected leader, have been formally charged in France in connection with a series of around fifty burglaries targeting luxury residences and the homes of public figures across France and Belgium.
Authorities estimate the stolen goods to be worth over a million euros. The arrests were executed in two phases. On 20 January, two suspects were detained in Luxembourg following European arrest warrants issued by a court in Reims, northeastern France.
The second wave occurred earlier this week when five more suspects were apprehended in the Reims metropolitan area. Four of them were officially charged on Friday.
Central to the investigation is the alleged leader of the gang, known as “Nikla,” who was captured on 20 January. His arrest followed a dramatic escape from Treviso prison in Italy in June 2022.
The suspect was also wanted on an Interpol red notice for attempted homicide in Albania. Investigators linked him to the burglaries through DNA evidence found at more than 30 crime scenes between June 2022 and September 2024.
The majority of the burglaries occurred in the Grand Est region and the Paris area. Authorities revealed that the gang had primarily targeted affluent residences, including those of business leaders in the Reims region and professional football players.
The scope of the thefts included high-end jewellery, luxury watches, leather goods, cash, and vehicles. Seizures conducted during searches amounted to over €650,000 in stolen property.
The investigation, which has been ongoing for months, painted a picture of a well-organized criminal network with operations spanning multiple countries.
A source close to the case disclosed that the gang is believed to be responsible for at least 49 burglaries, with total losses surpassing one million euros.
Local authorities have praised the coordination between French and European law enforcement agencies, which played a vital role in dismantling the network.
The use of European arrest warrants facilitated the rapid detention of suspects across borders, highlighting the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime.
The suspects now face charges including aggravated theft, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering.
If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences. Legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months as investigators continue to piece together evidence and track down any remaining associates linked to the network.
As the investigation continues, residents in the affected regions have expressed relief at the arrests, hoping that the dismantling of the “Nikla” gang will put an end to the string of high-profile burglaries that had left many in fear.
