Prosecutor gives details to the group of Kosovo-Albania traffickers, tells what was seized

The Special Prosecutor of the Republic of Kosovo, in co-operation with the Prosecutor at the First Court of General Juriscition Tirana after over nine months of investigation, destroyed a criminal group of arms trafficking active in the two states.

By order of the Special Prosecutor, on December 10th, 2024, Kosovo Police have developed an operational plan on the field, with cases being carried out in nine locations of the suspects' property.

“During the search warrants in these locations, including implementation of ordinances for specific technical measures of the investigation, among other things have been found and seized: Twenty-nine (29) pistols and three (3) long weapons of various confiscated models; Two thousand six hundred thirty-five (2635) bullets/munition of different models; Two vehicles and other equipment”, said the Special Prosecutor's announcement.

Eight suspected persons have been arrested and sent to maintenance, six of them Kosovo citizens, while two of them citizens of the Republic of Albania. The arrested persons are V.O., K.C., S.H., S.J., A.H., Z.A., A.D., B.A.

“In co-ordination with P The SRK and the Kosovo Police on 1111,2024 under the Prosecution Court of the First Court of General Juriscition Tirana, in the post of this proceedings, were conducted operation for the execution of detention orders for 6 people and search of residences for 7 countries. During this operation were detained for criminal acts “arms and ammunition trafficking” conducted in co-operation and “Trafficking in arms and ammunition” conducted in co-operation envisioned by Article 278/5/ and 278/a/2 of K. Penal of six people: E.M. E.P. A.M. G.L. K.M. and T. Sh”, said in notification.

In the course of this operation, 22 fire weapons -- Zoraki, a Ak 47 firearm, an offensive hand grenade, and 470 bullets of various kinds were seized. Three vehicles and considerable amounts of money and 10 mobile devices were also seized.

The Special Prosecutor of the Republic of Kosovo concerning this case announces the public opinion that in April of this year, he had accepted information regarding allegations that some citizens of the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania are dealing with imports, exports, supplies, transportation, mediation and unauthorised sales of weapons or explosive materials.

After accepting this information P The SRK had authorised the Kosovo Police for the investigative action company, aimed at collecting evidence.

Investigations conducted through specific investigation measures have documented cases of sale of firearms, mainly Zeoraki” pistols trafficked from Kosovo towards Albania.

Under legal authorisations and in co-ordination with the competent police and Prosecutor of the Republic of Albania, investigations have been conducted in both states, while with the date of 28.06.2024, a Joint Investigative Team establishment agreement has been signed, supported by the EUROJUST Project for Western Balkan countries. Investigations are also supported by EUROOPOL.

After signing the agreement and exchanging information joint investigative groups have held several operational meetings in the operation of this proceedings.

The Special Prosecutor of the Republic of Kosovo will decide on other actions, in co-ordination with competent authorities in the Republic of Albania, depending on reports that will result from these raids.