Morina (Kukes) border crossing: police corruption case, SPAK sent 34 persons to trial
Status: Investigation closed; trial requested for 34 persons (as reported). Outcome not found.
Summary
In April 2022 SPAK ordered the arrest of 17 police officers at the Morina border crossing in Kukes, with 14 placed under house arrest and 3 suspended, according to Top Channel. SPAK states the investigation began in November 2020 and documented 312 corrupt acts by border police. These include facilitating smuggled excise goods, aiding illegal crossings, collecting varying payments for illegal passage between Albania and Kosovo, and fictitious entry and exit registrations. A joint operation with Kosovo police targeted the Vermice crossing in the same period. A later Albanian report says SPAK closed its investigation and asked for trial of 34 people, including 32 police officers. Top Channel's headline refers to a director, but the article does not name him or give his rank. No total monetary amount is stated.
Key facts
- 17 officers arrested (April 2022); 14 house arrest; 3 suspended
- 312 corrupt acts documented by SPAK
- Trial sought for 34 persons including 32 police officers
- No total monetary amount given
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- Arrests of 17 officers announced by SPAK in April 2022, per media reporting
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationThe 312 corrupt acts and the payment schemes, as stated in SPAK's case file
Allegations and who made them (3)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationPassive corruption of persons exercising public functions
- AllegationFacilitation of smuggling of excise goods
- AllegationFacilitation of illegal border crossings for payment
Open questions (3)
- Trial outcome
- Total amounts collected
- Rank and status of the director named in the headline
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- None found in searches
Timeline
Full timeline →SPAK
SPAK investigation into Morina border crossing begins (per SPAK as reported)
SPAK states that the Morina police corruption investigation began in November 2020.
SPAK
17 police officers arrested at Morina border crossing; 14 under house arrest; 3 suspended
SPAK-ordered operation at the Kukes crossing, coordinated with Kosovo police.
Connections
police officers at a border crossing
Evidence: 17 officers arrested at Morina on SPAK orders (Top Channel, April 2022).
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 2 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 2 sources
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 8 Apr 2022
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja.com
- Date
- unknown