Markelian Hoti, the brother of MP Elda Hoti, was arrested in the outskirts of Rome following a European arrest warrant related to drug trafficking from South America to Europe. The 27-year-old was apprehended in the Ponte di Nona area while hiding in a hotel with his girlfriend.
Hoti is suspected of playing a key role in a criminal organization that trafficked cocaine from South America. The drugs were reportedly shipped to the port of Antwerp in Belgium and then transported via luxury vehicles from Northern Europe to Dubai. His involvement came to light after authorities seized 50 kilograms of cocaine hidden in containers at the Antwerp port, prompting him to go into hiding.
In January, European authorities issued a warrant for Hoti on charges of “criminal organization for drug trafficking,” which could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years according to Italian media reports. His arrest followed an investigation coordinated by Interpol and drug enforcement teams in Rome.
During his time in hiding, Hoti managed to evade capture as the hotel owner where he was staying failed to register his details in the “Alloggiati Web” system, rendering him almost invisible to authorities. Once his identity was confirmed, he was placed into custody, where he will remain pending extradition proceedings to Belgium.
This arrest has not only raised concerns about organized crime and drug trafficking but has also attracted attention due to Hoti’s familial ties to a member of the Albanian parliament, underscoring the complex intersections between politics and crime in the region.
