8 hours ago22 drug detainees can escape, repeat criminal acts, court reasons detention measure
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)The Constitutional Court in Pristina has appointed the detention measure to 22 suspects for international drug trafficking, arguing there is a danger of escape, repeat criminal acts, and influence in investigations still in the initial phase. According to the tribunal, the suspects are part of an organised international criminal structure, with the ability to prove [...]
The Constitutional Court in Pristina has appointed the detention measure to 22 suspects for international drug trafficking, arguing there is a danger of escape, repeat criminal acts, and influence in investigations still in the initial phase. According to the tribunal, the suspects are part of an international organised criminal structure, with the ability to prove to avoid legal prosecution and potential influence against witnesses or associates on the run.
Accounting for detention assignment provided by “Battle for Justice”, broadcast Periscope.
There the court estimates that there is real danger for suspects to repeat criminal acts if they remain at large, as they are part of an organised structure that has acted deliberately, sustainable and planned. According to the court, the criminal activity of this group has included transport, logistics, payment and avoidance of legal checks, using false identities and forged documents.
The suspects have denied the prosecution's claims, have rejected the way they provide evidence, claiming they were illegally taken and have asked the court to reject the request for the detention measure's appointment, demanding their release.
The Prosecution file also mentions wiretapped communications via the encrypted “network. Sky ECC”, which shows that suspects have co-operated in trafficking heavy narcotics including cocaine, heroin and marijuana from Latin America, Iran and Turkey, which through Balkan roads are intended to penetrate European Union countries.
The court stresses that some of the defendants have previously been convicted of similar criminal acts in countries such as Germany and Belgium, while some of them have been in international search. They have used forged identities to evade authorities, which proves, according to the court, the risk of fleeing or erasing their footprints in case of leaving them in freedom.
In this early phase of the investigation, the court considers their release to freedom would risk harming the investigative process, including the possibility of influence on witnesses or associates of the criminal group, from which some are still on the run.
Prosecution Court Judge Valon Kurtaj has scheduled a month-long detention for suspects, calling Article 187 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The detention is estimated from June 3, 2025, and lasts until July 3rd 2025.
The suspects against whom the detention measure has been established are: Rexhep Nikqi, Arian Krasniqi, Abedin Gjakova, Ragip Bislimi, Armend Ismajli, Rifat Vucetaj, Erduan Ismaili, Shemsi Bahtiri, Andy Vokshi, Blerim Sharapoli, Elez Elez, Roland Beqiri, Avni Rekaliu, Edin Berisha, Ardijan Mazreqaj, Kurbin Dezdari, Ondik, Lori Tigani, Kenan Brovina, Kahraman Akso, Saqtjetje and Musli.
The Special Prosecutor, in his detention request, has described that investigations into this group have been launched on the basis of data accepted by France through the EUROOPOL and Belgian authorities, collected within the operation known as “Limit”. Operation included decrypting network communications “Sky ECC”, through which the criminal activities of this international group were coordinated.
Initially, the prosecution had launched an investigation into Kujtim Neziright, Ardian Mazreqit and Edin Berisha, and later due to the analytical reports, it is necessary to expand the investigation into other members of the group. /Periscope
