A scandal involving leaked intimate videos has shaken Albania’s entertainment industry after private footage reportedly featuring well known figures from the music scene began circulating online.
The controversy erupted after several videos appeared online before spreading through social networks and private messaging services, including WhatsApp. Albanian media reported that some of the original material was subsequently removed, although copies had already circulated elsewhere.
The Tirana Police have now opened an investigation. According to an official police statement reported by Albanian media, cybercrime investigators are working to identify IP addresses, websites and social media profiles involved in publishing or distributing the material.
Authorities are also taking steps to have the videos removed from platforms where they continue to appear. The case has been referred to prosecutors over several potential offences involving computer data and unlawful interference with private life.
Composer Adrian Hila has been questioned by police in connection with the investigation. According to Euronews Albania, Hila told investigators that cameras had been installed at his property for security reasons and denied downloading or knowingly publishing the footage.
Singer Eli Fara has also spoken to police. According to reports citing her testimony, she said she had not known that she was being recorded and wanted action taken against the person responsible for making the footage public.
At the same time, misinformation has complicated the story. Singers Aurela Gaçe and Rozana Radi publicly rejected claims linking them to the circulating videos. Both denied appearing in the material, illustrating why unverified lists of supposed participants circulating on social media should not be treated as fact.
So where can the videos be watched?
The footage has reportedly circulated through social networks, messaging applications and adult websites, but some original uploads have already been removed. Police are actively investigating their distribution and seeking further removals. Publishing or directing users to copies would also further distribute private intimate material at the center of the investigation.
The scandal has therefore moved beyond celebrity gossip. The central question facing investigators is how private recordings reached the internet, who initially obtained and published them, and whether the people recorded knew they were being filmed.
With the investigation continuing, further details may emerge about how one of Albania’s biggest recent showbiz controversies began and who was responsible for putting the private footage online.
