Pretrial Detention for Nine Suspects in Money Laundering and Organized Crime Investigation

The Special Department of the Basic Court in Prishtina has approved the request of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo to order pretrial detention for several defendants suspected of money laundering, organized crime, and other criminal offenses.

The decision was issued in a ruling dated July 3, 2026, after pretrial procedure judge Vesel Ismaili reviewed the request submitted by the Special Prosecution.

Pretrial detention was ordered for Faruk Mazrek, Fariz Mazrek, Skender Kelmendi, Nisret Bajraktari, Dashnim Miftari, Adem Morina, Muhamet Mazrek, Naser Morina, and Gazmend Quni.

According to the suspicions, they face charges related to money laundering, participation in or organization of an organized criminal group, smuggling of goods, tax evasion, unauthorized ownership, control, or possession of weapons, as well as counterfeiting money, in violation of the provisions of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo and the relevant laws.

The ruling followed the hearing held on July 3, 2026, while the request of the Special Prosecution had been submitted two days earlier, on July 1, 2026.

The case is considered one of the largest investigations currently being conducted by the Special Prosecution, with suspicions involving organized criminal activity and money laundering.