Albanian police have concluded the operation codenamed “Taximeter,” leading to the arrest of a 27-year-old man suspected of carrying out a series of violent robberies and thefts in Tirana, Krujë and Durrës.

According to police, the suspect, identified as Trashgim Maçi, was arrested shortly after allegedly robbing a taxi driver on the Tirana–Elbasan highway. Authorities say he posed as a passenger before threatening the driver with a sharp object and stealing cash as well as a gold chain from around the victim’s neck.

Following the incident, officers from Police Station No. 1 launched an immediate search operation and located the suspect hiding in the village of Qeha, near the area where the robbery had taken place.

Police seized the stolen chain and a mobile phone during the operation.

Further investigations carried out under Operation “Taximeter” revealed that Maçi is suspected of being responsible for five additional robberies committed during June.

Investigators allege that on June 5, 2026, he stole a sum of money in euros from a citizen’s wallet at the Fushë-Krujë market.

On June 10, he allegedly entered a business located on “Llazi Miho” Street in Tirana and, by threatening the owner with a sharp object, stole cash and a gold chain.

Two days later, on June 12, he is suspected of threatening the owner of a business on “Skënder Kosturi” Street in Tirana with an object resembling a firearm, stealing a gold chain and physically assaulting the victim.

Police also suspect that on June 15, in the village of Derven, Fushë-Krujë, he robbed a taxi driver at knifepoint, taking cash, two mobile phones and a wristwatch.

Another incident allegedly occurred on June 17 in the village of Shënavlash, Durrës, where he is accused of violently robbing a taxi driver of his wallet and mobile phone.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as officers work to fully document the suspect’s criminal activity and determine whether he may be linked to other similar crimes.

The case has been referred to the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office for further legal proceedings. /noa.al