Pyramid schemes in Albania

Pyramid schemes in Albania were Ponzi schemes that precipitated the 1997 unrest in Albania. They started operations in 1991 with the first being formed by Hajdin Sejdia,. After starting works for the construction of an alleged hotel in central Tirana, he escaped to Switzerland with several million dollars. The area became known as Hajdin Sejdia's Hole. Later it was filled by crews to create a local park, but which was taken over by the local prostitution scene. Following these events, some creditors were liquidated while others not. It is alleged that most of the sums are still held in foreign banks.

Former economic advisor of Prime Minister Fatos Nano was arrested and imprisoned for his opposition to these schemes.

The year 1997 came as a tragic consequence of the bankruptcy of some 25 firms, the face value of the schemes' liabilities totaled $1.2 billion.

This firm was established in 1993 by Maksude Kadëna, also known as Sudja, who had worked in a shoe factory. This firm existed in the semi-underground until 1996, when two weeks before the election was recorded in the same court and judge, where she recorded "Xhaferri" and "Populli". The first game Sudes misleading, called "Victory" is accepted as personal initiative Xhaferri. Sudja had no bank account, so its bankruptcy also lost money inserted therein. Strangely, when Sudja was arrested she was living in a dilapidated apartment complex. The collapse triggered several protests in Tirana, where was also its area of operation.

Vefa Holding was the main pyramid firm. It was created in 1994 by Vehbi Alimuça and lay down across the country. Vefa invested in various fields of economy such as hotels, fuel, stores and factories. Best known is the bomb assassination a few weeks before the elections of 26 May 1996 to Vefa's supermarket in downtown Tirana. Vefa often seen as the firm's rentier PD. It went bankrupt in 1998, while its president was in prison.

The Gjallica firm was created by three former State Security effective originating from Kukes. President of the company was Shemsie Kadria. Gjallica had its center in Vlora. The firm went bankrupt on February 5, 1997, prompting violent protests in Vlora, which later turned into rebellion against the government.

This firm was established in 1995 and began to extend its activities in the villages of Lushnja, Fier and Berat. Officially it was a "foundation" but in fact became one of the most severe pyramidal firms in the country. Its leader, Rrapush Xhaferri, was arrested on January 22, 1997, which triggered violent demonstrations in Lushnje January 24–25.

This Populli (English: People) firm was created on July 16, 1996 and was extended in the same area as the Xhaferri. Its President was Bashkim Driza the former State Security agent. He worked deeply with the Albanian opposition parties finance their campaigns and newsletters. During the riots of 1997, he left with a U.S. helicopter.

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