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Albanian Organized Crime Leader Extradited to US

Albanian Organized Crime Leader Extradited to US

Albanian Organized Crime Leader Extradited to US

On November 16th, 2012, an Albanian organized crime leader was extradited to the United States to face charges of smuggling cocaine and heroin into the country. In this article, we will take a closer look at the extradition, the charges against the individual, and the impact of the arrest.

The Extradition

The individual in question, Eldin Kajevic, was extradited from Kosovo to the United States to face charges of drug trafficking. Kajevic had been arrested in Kosovo in 2011, but had fought extradition to the United States.

After a lengthy legal battle, Kosovo’s court of appeal ruled in favor of extradition, and Kajevic was flown to the United States to face trial.

The Charges

Kajevic was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin. According to the indictment, Kajevic and his organization were responsible for smuggling large amounts of drugs into the United States, where they were distributed for sale.

Kajevic was also accused of involvement in money laundering and other illegal activities.

The Impact

The arrest and extradition of Kajevic was a significant development in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking. Albania has long been known as a hub of organized crime activity, and the arrest of Kajevic was seen as a victory in the effort to disrupt these criminal enterprises.

The extradition was also a reminder that no one is above the law when it comes to drug trafficking and other illegal activities. The United States government, along with its international partners, will continue to work to disrupt and dismantle organized crime networks around the world.

The Future

The arrest and extradition of Kajevic is just one part of a broader effort to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. This effort will require continued collaboration and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different countries.

In addition, there will need to be a focus on addressing the root causes of organized crime, including poverty, corruption, and weak governance. These issues create an environment in which organized crime can thrive, and addressing them will be essential in the effort to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations.

Conclusion

The extradition of Eldin Kajevic, an Albanian organized crime leader, to the United States to face charges of drug trafficking, is a significant step in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking. While there is still much work to be done, the arrest serves as a reminder that no one is above the law when it comes to drug trafficking and other illegal activities. The future of this fight will require continued collaboration and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different countries, as well as a focus on addressing the root causes of organized crime.


Last Tuesday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that Arif Kurti (aka “the bear,” “Arty,” and “Nino”) was arrested in Albania after the Eastern District of New York issued an arrest warrant.  Kurti is the alleged leader of an Albanian organized crime syndicate, and he was extradited to the United States on November 16, 2012.

According to court documents, the syndicate is made up of several Albanian family clans with hundreds of members.  In the last decade, ICE reports the Albanian crime organization imported tens of thousands of pounds of marijuana from Mexico and Canada, huge amounts of MDMA from Canada and the Netherlands, hundreds of kilograms from Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, and substantial amounts of prescription pills.  The drugs were then distributed to parts of New York California, Georgia, Colorado, Florida, Canada, and Europe.

Kurti is accused of directing numerous 100 kilogram transactions of cocaine and smaller transactions too.  Kurti directed the shipments while in the United States, but he also led the organization’s drug activity from Albania as well.

So far, 49 defendants have been charged in this case.  The four-year investigation initially found that Kurti was directing large amounts of marijuana from Canada in tractor trailers.  During a search and seizure, federal officers found over 1,200 pounds of marijuana, $2,000,000.00, an assault rifle, 22 handguns, and ammunition.

Kurti faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison if convicted.  He may receive life in prison.

Loretta E. Lynch, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated: “Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners in law enforcement in the United States, and the assistance provided by authorities in Albania, there is no safe haven for drug traffickers, including the alleged leader of an international drug trafficking organization.”

Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement