Fatjon Shytani, Alien Smuggling, New York 2024

Alien Smuggling Schemes Continue to Threaten National Security

In a shocking revelation, Fatjon Shytani, a 41-year-old Albanian national and resident of the Bronx, New York, has been charged with conspiring to smuggle illegal aliens from Canada into the United States for financial gain. The indictment, unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, reveals a scheme that poses a significant threat to our national security.

According to the indictment, Shytani accepted $14,000 in cash from an undercover agent in exchange for arranging to have the agent’s significant other, who purportedly was from the Republic of Kosovo, smuggled across the Canadian border into the United States. The sting operation, which took place between March 12, 2024, and March 16, 2024, involved Shytani and his co-conspirators attempting to smuggle the undercover agent and two other aliens from Canada into the United States.

John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, announced the arrest and indictment. Durham stated, ‘As alleged, Shytani conspired to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States to benefit himself financially, but was thwarted by the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners.’ Raia added, ‘Fatjon Shytani, an Albanian national, allegedly facilitated the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the United States in exchange for cash payments.’

Shytani’s arrest is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

If convicted of alien smuggling and transportation conspiracy, Shytani faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Roddin, Stephanie Pak, and Kate Mathews are in charge of the prosecution.

Fatjon Shytani, also known as ‘Fati,’ is currently being held without bail. His co-conspirators are also facing charges in connection with the smuggling operation.

The FBI remains dedicated to apprehending any individual who profits from violating the borders and security of our nation. This case demonstrates our Office’s continued dedication to protect our border security and the integrity of the immigration process.

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