Contraband wines "crush" the Albanian market/ The three institutions involved in the scandal

2026-04-25 10:30:00, Denoncim CNA

Contraband wines "crush" the Albanian market/ The three institutions

In another investigation, CNA has uncovered another scandal that has "suffered" Albania.

In many shops and restaurants in the center of Tirana, wines without fiscal stamps are being sold, without certainty about their content and origin.

This not only causes distortion of competition, but we are dealing with a potential risk to human health.

In addition, we are dealing with corruption and irresponsibility on the part of institutions, in this case Customs, Taxes and the National Institute of Health, which allow these fake, uncertified products, which endanger the health of citizens, to enter Albania, be introduced into the market and distributed in luxury restaurants as wines of the most famous brands.

Scandal/ Contraband wines on the market, dangerous for consumers
April 22, 09:45

A total irresponsibility, a violation of the law and abuse of office.

CNA has denounced that wines without fiscal stamps are being introduced into the Albanian market via Italy, hitting competition, but from our investigation, the scandal goes even further, to the introduction of fake products, as a wine without a fiscal stamp and uncertified by the producer is a food-unsafe product whose ingredients are unknown and undoubtedly endangers the life of the consumer.

Considerable quantities of premium wines are circulating, presented as very well-known French and Italian brands such as Petrus, Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto and Romanée-Conti, despite their very limited production, they are being sold in quantities in Albania as if they were water.

These products are suspected to come through unofficial channels with the aim of avoiding fiscal controls. They are sold at lower prices to entice consumers, but without fiscal stamps and no guarantee of authenticity.

Scandal with smuggled wines/ Customs, Taxes and AKU accused of three crimes
April 24, 10:30

There is a great risk, as these products are counterfeit or uncertified, endangering both the consumer and the official market.

In addition to potential commercial fraud, this situation also constitutes a legal violation and illegal trafficking of products.

The responsibility for this scandal, which endangers the health of citizens, falls on Customs, Taxes and the National Food Agency, which allow these uncertified, counterfeit products, without fiscal stamps, to enter Albania and be sold in shops and restaurants.

This is a situation that requires control, as we are dealing with the health of citizens, tax evasion, and the destruction of competition./ CNA