The authorities of Albania and Kosovo, with the support of Eurojust and Europol, broke up a criminal group of arms dealers operating in both countries and arrested 14 suspects who, according to Eurojust, are responsible for the procurement, transport and sale of weapons and explosives, as well as the establishment of import and export smuggling routes to the European Union.
During the joint action on December 10 and 11, 14 suspects were arrested in Albania and Kosovo who, in addition to arms trafficking, also smuggled drugs, mainly cocaine, from Albania to Kosovo.
Eurojust explains that in April of this year, the Special Prosecutor's Office in Kosovo found out about the criminal group and launched an investigation.
"As the criminal group consisted of citizens from both Kosovo and Albania, judicial cooperation began. A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was established at Eurojust, with the support of the Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project. This project strengthens cooperation within the Western Balkans and between the region and the EU , using modern tools and methods to fight organized crime and terrorism, the JIT has enabled the Albanian and Kosovo authorities to work together efficiently and effectively, sharing information in real time members of a criminal group, searches of property to confiscate weapons and gather evidence," it was explained.
Eurojust states that on December 10 and 11, the Albanian and Kosovo authorities started a joint operation.
"During their actions, eight suspects were arrested in Kosovo. Nine properties owned by the suspects were searched, 29 pistols, three rifles, over 2.600 pieces of ammunition, two vehicles and electronic equipment were seized. Six suspects were arrested in Albania, and seven were searched The authorities seized 23 firearms, a hand grenade, 470 rounds of ammunition, three vehicles, 10 mobile phones and a significant amount of cash. Investigations are ongoing".
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