Wikipedia

Artan Cuku

Artan Cuku (14 January 1975 – 8 April 2017) was an Albanian police official and businessman, who was proclaimed Martyr of the Homeland (Albanian: Dëshmor i Atdheut).[1] He served in various high-ranking positions within the Albanian State Police, including First Director of Police in Vlorë County, Vice Director in multiple districts, and Head of the Anti-Money Laundering Sector. Cuku was also the founder of the private security guard service, International Security Albania,[2] and was nicknamed "The Iron Director" (Albanian: Drejtori i Hekurt)[3][4] for his strict leadership style.

Artan Cuku
Cuku in 2012
Cuku in 2012
First Director of the Albanian State Police
Personal details
Born
Artan Cuku

(1975-01-14)14 January 1975
Lurë, Albania
Died8 April 2017(2017-04-08) (aged 42)
Tiranë, Albania
Resting placeNational Martyrs' Cemetery of Albania
Alma materState Police Academy
OccupationChief of Police/First Director, Businessman
ProfessionLaw enforcement official, Attorney(unused)
Awards

Early life

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Artan Cuku was born on 14 January 1975 (officially recorded as 25 January 1975 in the civil status registry of the time) in the village of Old Lurë (Albanian: Lurë e vjetër), Dibër district. He was the fourth child of Sulejman and Nurije Cuku. Cuku completed his primary and middle school education in Lurë Plain (Albanian: Fushe Lurë) and his general secondary education in the city of Peshkopia.

Between 1994 and 1996, he worked as a teacher at the secondary school Nikoll Kaçorri in Lurë. From 1997 to 2000, he attended the State Police Academy, where he graduated with the title of "Senior Police Specialist."[5][6]

Career

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Cuku completed his law studies at the Bachelor and Master levels and passed the bar exam, earning the title of "Lawyer", a profession he never practiced.

Between 2000 and 2014, he completed various courses and training programs both domestically and internationally. These were organized by Albanian, European, and American law enforcement institutions.

In September 2000, after graduating from the Police Academy, he joined the State Police and was appointed to the Section for the Investigation of Crimes at the Malësia e Madhe Police Station.

In 2002, after about a year and a half of experience as a crime investigation specialist in Malësia e Madhe, he was appointed Head of the Crime Investigation Section at the Shkodër Police Station. In this role, he worked closely with local police to combat crime by arresting local offenders and dismantling criminal groups.

Later in 2002, Cuku was selected by officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to serve as Head of the Crime Investigation Section at the Durrës Police Station. He held this position until 2004, when he was transferred to Tropojë.

In 2004, he was appointed Chief of the Tropojë Police Station. He organized operations to capture highly dangerous individuals from Lekbibaj and led numerous weapon seizure missions following the widespread weapon diversion of 1997. During his tenure, he participated in conflicts involving gunfire but no injuries were reported among his officers.

After several months in Tropojë, Cuku was transferred to Berat in 2004, where he worked in the Anti-Terrorist Acts Sector. By the end of that year, he was appointed Head of the Crime Investigation Section at Police Station No. 4 in Tirana, focusing on investigating cold cases from 1997 and recompiling case files to support arrests.

In 2005, he transitioned to the Tirana District Police Directorate as a Leading Specialist. Between 2006 and 2007, he served in the Crimes Against the Person Sector and the Organized Crime Sector in Tirana.

From mid-2007, Cuku held several vice-director positions in district police commands: Vlorë (2007), Fier (2007–2008), Berat (2008–2009), and Tirana (2009–2011). In each role, he contributed to reducing crime rates in these regions.

After 2011, he was appointed Head of the Anti-Money Laundering Sector in the General Directorate of the State Police, a position he held for about a year.

From early 2012 to the end of 2013, he served as the Police First Director of the Vlorë District. At the end of 2013, he was transferred to the Directorate of Strategic Studies in the State Police, where he worked until June 2014, when he was released from the force.[5]

 
Artan Cuku Ceremonial Clothing First Director

Death

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On 8 April 2017, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Artan Cuku was killed outside his home on Rruga e Kosovarëve, Tirana. Following his death, the Prosecutor's Office for Serious Crimes initiated an investigation under Criminal Procedure No. 139/2017. The investigation concluded that his murder was work-related and occurred in the course of his duties as First Director of the Vlora District Police Department. The crime was classified under Articles 79/b and 25 of the Albanian Criminal Code ("Murder of state police officers").[2][6][7][8][9][10]

On 9 April 2017, the State Police held a state tribute ceremony in his honour.[11][12][13][14][15]

Cuku was buried in the National Martyrs' Cemetery.[16][17]

Awards and decorations

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Medal of Honor

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Artan Cuku Medal of Honor Certificate
 
Artan Cuku Medal of Honor

On 12 June 2017, Artan Cuku was posthumously awarded the "Medal of Honor" by the Minister of Internal Affairs for his special merits and services in the fight against crime, ensuring public order and tranquility.[18][19][20][21]

Golden Eagle Decoration

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"Golden Eagle Decoration" From the President of the Albanian Republic Bujar Nishani to Artan Cuku
 
Golden Eagle Decoration

On 27 June 2017, Artan Cuku was posthumously awarded the "Golden Eagle Decoration" by President Bujar Nishani of Albania, for his dedication, sacrifice, and leadership in the fight against organized crime as a member of the State Police.[22][23][24][25][26]

Honorary Citizen of Dibër

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Honorary Citizen of Dibër Artan Cuku

On 9 February 2018, Dibër Municipality awarded Artan Cuku the title "Honorary Citizen of Dibër" posthumously for his significant contributions to the State Police, his efforts in the fight against crime, and his inputs to the moral, historical and noble values of the land of Lura and Dibra.[27][28]

Martyr of the Homeland

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Certificate of Artan Cuku declared Martyr of the Homeland

On 2 April 2019, Artan Cuku was declared a "Martyr of the Homeland" by The Central Commission on the Status of Martyr of the Homeland, with his family receiving the symbol "Family of the Martyr of the Homeland".[29][30][31][32][33][2]

Honor of Dibër District

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On 27 June 2019, Artan Cuku was posthumously awarded the title "Honor of Dibër District" by the Dibër District Council for his contributions to the State Police and his sacrifice in fighting organized crime.

Artan Cuku Street in Peshkopi, Albania

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Artan Cuku road in Peshkopi, Albania

On 24 December 2021, the street starting from "Elez Isufi" Boulevard, through the museum, and ending at the Palace of Culture in Peshkopi was named "Artan Cuku" by the Dibër Municipal Council in his honor.[34][35][36][37]

Citizen of Honor

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Honorary CItizen Mr. Artan Cuku from Kamez Municipal Council

On 18 February 2022, Kamëz Municipal Council awarded Artan Cuku the title "Citizen of Honor" for his values, contributions to the State Police, and efforts in promoting moral and noble values.[38][39][40][41]

Kamëz Palace of Culture Named After Artan Cuku

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Kamëz Palace of Culture Named after Artan Cuku (outside picture)
 
Kamëz Palace of Culture Named after Artan Cuku Inside Monument

On 18 February 2022, Kamëz Municipal Council named the "Kamëz Palace of Culture" after Artan Cuku.[42][43]

Cup of the Republic of Albania in honor of Artan Cuku

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Albanian National Weightlifting Federation 2022 Artan Cuku
 
Artan Cuku cup of Albanian Weightlifting 2022

On 5 November 2022, the National Weightlifting Federation organized the Cup of the Republic of Albania to raise and honor Artan Cuku.[44]

Artan Cuku Street in Durrës

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Map of the road
 
The Decision

On 16 April 2024, Durrës Municipality named a street located at Ward no. 2, Administrative Unit no. 1. "Artan Cuku" in honor of his legacy.

Publications in his memory

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The murder of Artan Cuku is regarded as one of the most significant cases in Albanian history in the past century, and is featured in 100 Most Sensational Murders in the History of the Albanian State (in All Albanian Territories) by Roland Qafoku.[45]

Cuku's assassination is included in Faces of Assassination, a book compiled by global experts and published by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, based in Geneva. The book documents 50 high-profile murders, including executions of state officials from 40 countries after 2000, with Cuku's murder among them.[2][46][47] His figure and impact are also described in "Personalities of Dibra (Encyclopedia of Dibra 3)".[48][43]

Posthumously, two books were dedicated to him: Artan Cuku in Memoriam, devised and prepared by former General Director of the State Police, Ahmet Prençi, with contributions from journalists, politicians, and colleagues,[49] and Jam pri' Lure by Fatos Daci.[50]

In 2024, two more publications were released: Rilindja e Emrave (Rebirth of Names)[51] and Të Rënët (The Fallen),[52] to honor Cuku's legacy.

References

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  1. ^ "Komisar Artan Cuku shpallet "Dëshmor i Atdheut"" [Commissioner Artan Cuku is declared "Martyr of the Homeland"]. ABC News (in Albanian). 9 April 2019. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d "Artan Cuku". Faces of Assassination. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Profil / Kush ishte Artan Cuku i njohur si "Drejtori i Hekurt i Vlorës" (Karrieria Dhe Marrëdhënia Me Familjen)". Newsbomb Albania (in Albanian). 8 April 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  4. ^ "Artan Cuku, Drejtori i hekurt i Vlorës që bëri "zap" krimin". FaxWeb. 8 April 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  5. ^ a b Prençi, Ahmet (2018). Artan Cuku, in memoriam (1st ed.). Tiranë, Albania: Dita print. pp. 265–267. ISBN 9789928229229.
  6. ^ a b Rama, Halil (14 January 2022). "Komisar Artan Cuku në panteonin e përjetshëm" [Commissar Artan Cuku in the eternal pantheon]. Panorama (in Albanian). p. 2. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  7. ^ "Vritet me armë zjarri ish – Drejtori i Policisë së Vlorës, Artan Cuku" [Former Police Director, Artan Cuku, was shot dead]. TV Klan (in Albanian). 8 April 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  8. ^ "Prençi: Cuku u vra për shkak të detyrës" [Prençi: Cuku was killed because of his duty.]. Ora News (in Albanian). 11 April 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  9. ^ "Ekzekutohet Artan Cuku, ish-drejtori i policisë së Vlorës". Vizion Plus. 8 April 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  10. ^ "Former Police Director Executed in Tirana". Albania Daily News. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  11. ^ "Të afërm miq e kolegë përcjellin Artan Cuku" [Relatives, friends and colleagues accompany Artan Cuku]. TV Klan (in Albanian). 9 April 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  12. ^ "Policia e Shtetit mban sot homazhet për Artan Cukun" [The State Police pays tribute to Artan Cuku today]. TV Klan (in Albanian). 9 April 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  13. ^ "Homazhet për Artan Cukun, i jepet lamtumira oficerit të policisë". Ora News (in Albanian). 9 April 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  14. ^ "Homazhe për ish-zyrtarin e policisë Artan Cuku" [Homage to former police official Artan Cuku]. Vizion Plus (in Albanian). 9 April 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  15. ^ "Përcillet ish-drejtuesi i policisë". Top Channel. 9 April 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  16. ^ "Pallati i Kulturës Kamëz merr emrin e Dëshmorit të Atdheut Artan Cuku! Kryebashkiaku Rakip Suli: Nga sot "Qytetar Nderi" i Kamzës duke e përjetësuar emrin dhe kontributin e tij të lavdishëm në historinë e qytetit tonë – Bashkia Kamëz". Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  17. ^ "Pallati i Kulturës në Kamzë emërtohet "Artan Cuku"" [The Palace of Culture in Kamze is named "Artan Cuku"]. TV Klan (in Albanian). 10 April 2022. p. 1. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  18. ^ "Medalje nderi për ish-oficerin Artan Cuku". Republika e Shqipërisë, Ministria e Brendshme. 14 June 2017. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  19. ^
     
    Artan Cuku Medal of Honor Certificate
  20. ^ "Medalje Nderi pas vdekjes për Artan Cukun" [Posthumous Medal of Honor for Artan Cuku]. TV Klan (in Albanian). 14 June 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  21. ^ "Demiraj nderon me Medaljen e Nderit oficerin e vrarë Artan Cuku". Ora News (in Albanian). 14 June 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  22. ^
     
    "Golden Eagle Decoration" From the President of the Albanian Republic Bujar Nishani to Artan Cuku
  23. ^ "Presidenti Nishani dekoron pas vdekjes Artan Cukun" [President Nishani posthumously decorates Artan Cuku]. TV Klan (in Albanian). 27 June 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  24. ^ "Nishani dekoron pas vdekjes ish-komisarin e vrarë, Artan Cuku". Ora News (in Albanian). 28 June 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  25. ^ "Nishani nderon me medalje ish-komisarin e ndjerë Artan Cuku". Klan Kosova (in Albanian). 28 June 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  26. ^ Koha, Jone (28 June 2017). "Presidenti Nishani dekoron pas vdekjes komisarin e ekzekutuar Artan Cuku". Koha Jone (in Albanian). p. 1. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  27. ^
     
    Honorary Citizen of Dibër Artan Cuku
  28. ^ ""Nderi i Qarkut Dibër" për heroin e atdheut Artan Cuku" ["Honor of Dibër District" for the hero of the homeland Artan Cuku]. gazetabulqiza (in Albanian). 19 September 2019. p. 1. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  29. ^ "Ish-oficeri i Policisë së Shtetit, Artan Cuku shpallet "Dëshmor i Atdheut"" [Former State Police officer, Artan Cuku is declared "Martyr of the Homeland"] (in Albanian). 8 April 2019. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  30. ^
     
    Martyr of the Homeland Artan Cuku
  31. ^ "Komisar Artan Cuku shpallet "Dëshmor i atdheut"". Top Channel (in Albanian). 8 April 2019. p. 1. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  32. ^ "Komisar Artan Cuku shpallet "Dëshmor i Atdheut"". ABC News (in Albanian). 8 April 2019. p. 1. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  33. ^ "Artan Cuku, "Dëshmor i Atdheut", Lleshaj: Numri i policëve të vrarë, alarmant". Ora News (in Albanian). 8 April 2019. p. 1. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  34. ^ "Ceremonia për emërtimin e një rruge në qendër të qytetit të Peshkopisë me emrin e "Dëshmorit të Atdheut" Artan Cuku! – Këshilli i Qarkut Dibër" (in Albanian). Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  35. ^ Mima, Gjergji (14 January 2022). "Rruga në Peshkopi me emrin e Dëshmorit të Policisë, Artan Cuku – ATSH –". Agjencia Telegrafike Shqiptare. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  36. ^ "Një rrugë në qendër të Peshkopisë, merr emrin e Dëshmorit të Atdheut, Artan Cuku" [A street in the center of Peshkopia is named after the Martyr of the Homeland, Artan Cuku]. Ora News (in Albanian). 14 January 2022. p. 1. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  37. ^ "Peshkopi, emërtohet një rrugë me emrin Artan Cuku" [Peshkopi, a street is named after Artan Cuku]. Vizion Plus (in Albanian). 14 January 2022. p. 1. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  38. ^
     
    Honorary CItizen Mr. Artan Cuku from Kamez Municipal Council
  39. ^ "U vra 5 vite më parë, shpallet qytetar nderi në Kamzë ish-komisari Artan Cuku - Shqiptarja.com". shqiptarja.com (in Albanian). Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  40. ^ "Artan Cuku, Qytetar Nderi i Kamzës pas vdekjes" [Artan Cuku, Honorary Citizen of Kamza posthumously]. Ora News (in Albanian). 10 April 2022. p. 1.
  41. ^ "Ish komisari i vrarë Artan Cuku, shpallet "Qytetar Nderi" në Kamzë". ABC News (in Albanian). 10 April 2022. p. 1. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  42. ^
     
    Kamëz Palace of Culture Named after Artan Cuku
     
  43. ^ a b "Përjetësimi i Kryekomisar Artan Cukut" (in Albanian). Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  44. ^ panorama, panorama (7 November 2022). "Federata Shqiptare e Peshëngritjes ka zhvilluar të shtunën Kupën e Shqipërisë për të rritur, aktivitet që këtë edicion vinte në nderim të Dëshmorit të Atdheut, Artan Cuku". panorama (in Albanian). p. 1.
  45. ^ Qafoku, Roland (2017). 100 (njëqind) vrasjet më të bujshme në historinë e shtetit shqiptar: (në të gjitha trojet shqiptare): 1912–2017 (1st ed.). Tiranë, Albania: West Print. pp. 717–724. ISBN 9789928249111.
  46. ^ "Faces of Assassination" (PDF). Global Initiative. 1st (1): 48–49. 15 June 2020 – via idpc Faces of Assassination – Virtual book and campaign launch.
  47. ^ Faces of Assassination (1st ed.). Geneva, Switzerland: Global Initiative. 2020. pp. 48–49. ISBN 9789928249524.
  48. ^ Daci, Fatos (2020). Personalitetet e Dibrës, Enciklopedia e Dibrës (3rd ed.). Tiranë, albania: West Print. pp. 131–132. ISBN 9789928249524.
  49. ^ Prençi, Ahmet (2018). Artan Cuku, in memoriam (1st ed.). Tiranë, Albania: Dita Print. pp. 1–268. ISBN 9789928229229.
  50. ^ Daci, Fatos (2020). Jam pri' Lure (1st ed.). Tiranë: Dita Print. pp. 1–392. ISBN 9789928229663.
  51. ^ Rama, Halil (10 April 2024). Rilindja e Emrave [Rebirth of Names] (in Albanian) (1st ed.). Albania: Halil Rama. pp. 194–203. ISBN 9789928396051.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  52. ^ Hilë, Bajram; Lushaku, Ibraj (2023). Të Rënët [The Fallen] (in Albanian) (2nd ed.). Albania: BotimetFishta. pp. 442–450. ISBN 9789928329943.
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