Artan Cuku

Artan Cuku (14 January 1975 – 8 April 2017) was an Albanian police official and businessman, who was proclaimed Martyr of the Homeland . 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, and was nicknamed "The Iron Director" (Albanian: Drejtori i Hekurt) for his strict leadership style.

Early life 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." 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").

On 9 April 2017, the State Police held a state tribute ceremony in his honour.

Cuku was buried in the National Martyrs' Cemetery.

Awards and decorations 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.

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.

Honorary Citizen of Dibër 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.

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".

Citizen of Honor 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.

Kamëz Palace of Culture Named After Artan Cuku

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

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

Artan Cuku Street in Durrës 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 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.

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. His figure and impact are also described in "Personalities of Dibra (Encyclopedia of Dibra 3)". and Jam pri' Lure by Fatos Daci.

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