Albanian People Smuggler Caught After Fleeing to Spain
Key Player in Organised People Smuggling Ring Busted
Arsen Feci, 49, from Nottingham, was at the heart of a ruthless organised crime group smuggling migrants across the English Channel. The gang’s operations came under the National Crime Agency (NCA) spotlight after a UK coastguard spotted migrants being offloaded from a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), named Orca, at Joss Bay, Kent, on 9 October 2022.
Feci and his henchmen – Banet Tershana, Klodian Shenaj, Jetmir Myrtaj, and British national Desmond Rice – used the same beach for another attempt on 23 October.
Concrete Evidence Nails Feci
- Feci coordinated crossings and bought smuggling kit.
- He kept constant contact with pilots and organisers, including a 12 October meeting arranging purchase of a second RHIB, Aquaholic.
- CCTV caught him buying maintenance gear from Halfords plus an inflatable kayak, paddles, and a pump.
Smuggling Operation Foiled in Belgium
On 29 October 2022, as Aquaholic headed to Belgium, the NCA tipped off Belgian police. The boat was intercepted near Nieuwpoort with two pilots, aged 35 and 45, caught trying to load 12 migrants – including a woman and child. Only six life jackets were found on board, none fit for sea travel.
The pilots faced justice in Belgium, each sentenced to six years in prison.
Feci’s Arrest, Flight and Dramatic Extradition
- 29 November 2022: Feci and Shenaj arrested in Nottingham.
- February 2023: Feci rearrested after more evidence emerges.
- March 2023: Feci appears at Nottingham Crown Court, bailed, but then bolts to Spain before next hearing.
- August 2024: Caught and extradited back to the UK from Spain.
Justice Served: Five-Year Prison Sentence for Feci
At Nottingham Crown Court, Feci pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration. On 17 February 2025, he was jailed for five years and four months.
His gang members – Tershana, Shenaj, Myrtaj, and Rice – were convicted and sentenced in August 2023.
NCA Vows to Keep Smugglers on the Run
Derek Evans, NCA Branch Commander, blasted:
“Feci was the final piece of the puzzle in this organised people smuggling gang. He ferried migrants on deadly Channel crossings and raked in huge profits.”
“He thought fleeing to Spain would save him, but our international reach and partner support brought him back to face justice.”
“Cracking down on organised immigration crime is an NCA priority. We will continue hunting down Feci and others like him.”
Ongoing War on People Smugglers
Authorities remain relentless in dismantling smuggling rings in the UK and abroad.
If you have info on illegal immigration or human trafficking, contact the NCA or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
