New details from Ervin Cata's arrest expected extradition to Albania

According to official data, Mata results in equipped with several foreign identification documents, including the valid Bulgarian passport until October 8th, 2024, the Bulgarian identity card valid by 2029, as well as a preliminary ID card with validity until 2030, where it figures from birth to the United Kingdom. In some records it also appears by the name Christopher Mark Howie Duarte Vera, born May 28, 1987.

State police announced that the operation was finalised under the new phase coded “The Waned”, as a result of co-operation with Interpol and international law enforcement agencies.

The 39-year-old is accused of co-ordinating the activity of a criminal group involved in trafficking about 240kg of cocaine, with extensive activity in Albania, South America and Europe. He was hiding in Brazil using forged British identification documents.

Investigations into it have been conducted under a 2023 SPAK proceedings, in co-operation with Europol, Eurojust and several foreign agencies. The Special Court had earlier imposed on him the <x0) prison arrest measure” for drug trafficking and participation in criminal organisations.

Interpol Tirana is continuing procedures for its extradition to Albania.