Economic Crimes raid, thousands of euros, weapons and tanker trucks for transporting fuel derivatives seized

In an operation against organized crime, led by the Special Prosecution and the Directorate for the Investigation of Serious Crimes and Organized Crime within the Kosovo Police, with the support of Customs and the Kosovo Tax Administration, 9 people were arrested.

By order of the Basic Court in Pristina, searches were carried out at 21 locations.

During the execution of the search warrant, the following were seized:

· 15,000 euros;

· 5 cars;

· 5 tanker trucks for transporting fuel derivatives;

· 2 firearms;

· 54 bullets;

· Electronic devices;

· Various documents and other evidence relevant to the case;

· 301 euros in 2-euro banknotes, which are suspected to be counterfeit.

The relevant units of the Police, Customs and the Tax Administration were involved in this operation.

The joint investigation led to the arrest of F.M., F.M., M.M., S.K., N.B., D.M., A.M., N.M. and G.Q., who are suspected of committing the criminal offenses of:

· Money laundering;

· Smuggling of goods in co-perpetration;

· Participation in or organization of an organized criminal group;

· False documents related to tax;

· Tax evasion.

This operation was carried out as part of investigative procedural actions.

After gathering information and securing evidence, a reasonable suspicion has been raised that the arrested persons acted as a structured criminal group by submitting false tax-related documents and carrying out sales as well as fictitious transactions involving petroleum derivatives.