Dozens of Kosovo border police and customs officers arrested for bribery

English

Gazeta Express

14/03/2022 14:01

The Police Inspectorate of Kosovo (PIK) launched Monday morning an operation codenamed “Pika” (Point), targeting border and custom officials in the Gjakova and Prizren Region suspected of receiving bribes and abuse of official duty or authority.

Sources from the Special Prosecution Office of the Republic of Kosovo (SPRK) told Gazeta Express that about 50 border police officers have been arrested in this operation, including two commanders of the border crossing points in Qafë Prush and Qafë Morinë at the border with Albania as well as two customs officers.

The action started this morning, following a one-year investigation involving covert investigative measures. According to the Police Inspectorate of Kosovo (PIK), “Pika” was also supported by the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), Kosovo Customs, and the Kosovo Police (KP). The arrested officials are suspected of involvement in illegal activities related to the criminal offenses taking bribes and abuse of official position or authority.

Gazeta Express has reported that all police officers working in the morning shift of the Qafe Morine crossing have been arrested and they were replaced with police officers from other border crossings.

The Kosovo Customs has also issued a press release following the arrest of their two officers. According to the statement the General Director of the Kosovo Customs has suspended the arrested officers and has ordered initiation of disciplinary measures. /GazetaExpress/