EUROPOL has provided details about the latest action carried out in Kosovo, where an organized crime network involved in large-scale drug trafficking, use of false identity documents, illegal possession of weapons and money laundering in several European countries was hit.

According to EUROPOL, the network was discovered through messages exchanged by its members on the SKY ECC encrypted communication platform.

known that the organized crime network based in Kosovo was under investigation for three years, while the investigation culminated on June 9, when the Kosovo Police arrested five (5) main members of the criminal organization, who were allegedly behind a criminal empire worth about 80 million euros.

150 police officers, supported by a EUROPOL expert, participated in the action.

The criminal group, according to EUROPOL has used encrypted communication platforms to coordinate drug trafficking activities in several European countries, while its operational center has been in Kosovo.

From Kosovo, senior members have directed criminal activities, coordinated international drug shipments and managed the laundering of illegally obtained money.

EUROPOL also announces that over the past three years, since the start of the investigation:

42 suspects have been investigated;
76 premises were checked;
criminal assets worth about 80 million euros have been seized.

The operation is part of a structured operational project within OTF LIMIT, which has brought together law enforcement authorities from Belgium, France, Kosovo and the Netherlands, with the support of EUROPOL.

Source: prizrenpost