Inside London’s Albanian ‘Mafia’ who bring fear to community dubbed ‘Little Tirana’
Beneath the tranquil facade of a northern London neighborhood, a clandestine network of Albanian criminals is thriving. This area, nestled around the Southgate London Underground station, has become a hub for illicit activities including protection rackets, people smuggling, and drug trafficking, according to sources.
The once-vibrant and prosperous suburb, situated along the Piccadilly line, has transformed into a stronghold for the Albanian criminal enterprise. Locals refer to the surrounding district as ‘Little Tirana’—a nod to the capital of Albania—due to the pervasive influence of the gang. Residents describe an atmosphere of unease, where the shadow of violence looms large.
Businesses in the area are increasingly subjected to demands for protection fees or threats of takeover. Some have been forced to surrender their premises, with shopkeepers expressing fear of retaliation. The criminal group operates discreetly, managing affairs from cafes and street corners, blending into the community while exerting control.
“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.”
A notable incident highlighting the group’s reach occurred in 2019, when an Albanian drug lord, Flamur Beqiri, was shot dead by a rival during a Christmas Eve attack in Battersea. His sister, Misse, gained fame as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Cheshire. Beqiri’s murder underscored the network’s international scope and willingness to use extreme force.
Despite their dominance, the gang’s operations lack the ostentation of luxury. They maintain a low profile, yet their influence is undeniable. A local shopkeeper recounted how the presence of Albanian criminals has altered the area’s dynamics. “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,” he said.
Policing efforts have concentrated on Ashfield Parade, a location the gang considers its core territory. In 2023, Albanian people smuggler Arlin Leka was sentenced after being found guilty of orchestrating illegal migrant trafficking. Additional raids have been conducted on other properties linked to gang activities, with ongoing concerns raised about their expanding dominance.
Meanwhile, the Turkish ‘Mafia’ maintains control in Tottenham and Wood Green, further north. However, the Albanian network has established itself as the dominant force in Southgate and Cockfosters. The two groups rarely confront each other, with Turks apprehensive of the Albanians’ penchant for unrelenting violence.
Metrounderstands that the Albanian mob’s growing presence is reshaping the local landscape. Cypriot businesses, which have operated for generations, are now facing pressure to leave. The community’s sense of security has eroded, with many feeling powerless against the criminal takeover.
Local reports emphasize the need for stronger intervention. “We know who they are and where they operate out of. It has been reported to the police that they need to get a grip of this. It’s an international crime network which is colonising the area around Southgate station and is spreading up the high street,” a source added.
