A large international operation led to the execution of 15 precautionary measures between Italy, Albania and Spain, as part of an investigation coordinated by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate of Bari and Special Prosecutor's Office for Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime in Tirana, with the support of EurojustAt the centre of the investigation are the murder of Francesco Diviesti, which occurred in Canosa di Puglia on 25 April 2025, and an alleged structured group based in Tirana dedicated to international money laundering.
The murder of Francesco Diviesti
According to the investigative reconstruction, Diviesti was involved in a brawl in a bar in Barletta late on the evening of April 25, 2025, and was then taken to an isolated area of the upper Murgia, in the Canosa di Puglia countryside. There he was joined by five shots fired from two pistols at close range, before the body was burned inside some tires in an attempt to destroy the corpse.
The motive linked to drug dealing
Investigators believe the crime arose in the context of controlling drug dealing activities. The main suspect, an Albanian citizen, is said to have acted to assert with mafia method its criminal supremacy in the Barletta area, with the alleged contribution of two Italian citizens.
Precautionary measures
The order issued by the Bari investigating judge concerns three individuals deemed to be serious suspects in connection with the murder: an Albanian citizen, identified as the alleged perpetrator, and two Italians from Barletta, a man and a woman, accused of helping to cover up the crime and failing to report their knowledge to the judicial authorities. The same investigation also charges attempted extortion and illegal possession and carrying of weapons.
The thread on international recycling
At the same time, the investigation uncovered an alleged organized group based in Tirana, accused of transferring cash from Italy to Albania. The funds were allegedly the proceeds of wholesale drug sales in Italy. Among the alleged incidents was the seizure of 680 thousand euros carried out by the Albanian police on 14 November 2024 at the Murriqan border crossing, based on information provided by the Bari DIA.
The broader investigative picture
The operation is part of a years-long investigative project between the Bari DDA and the Tirana SPAK to combat international cocaine and heroin trafficking by Albanian criminal organizations. The activities are linked to other investigations called "Shefi," "Kulmi," "Shpirti," and "Ura," which between 2018 and 2025 led to 170 precautionary measures, seizures worth millions of euros, and the discovery of over seven tons of drugs.
Arrests in Italy, Albania, and Spain
The measures concerned overall 11 Albanian citizens and 4 Italians, including four women placed under house arrest and required to report to the judicial police. The measures were carried out in Barletta, Rome's Rebibbia prison, Anagni, Tirana, Fier, Vlora, and Madrid, some of which were executed pursuant to international arrest warrants.
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