They were smuggling clothing from China and Turkey: 3 arrested, 4 prosecuted

The operation codenamed “Brand 3” has been finalized by the Directorate for the Investigation of Economic and Financial Crime at the State Police General Directorate.

Seven individuals were identified who, in cooperation with one another, were smuggling clothing from China and Turkey, storing it in Tirana, and selling it while evading tax obligations.

Three of these individuals were arrested, while four others were criminally prosecuted.

Investigations continue to identify and apprehend other persons involved in this criminal activity.

Seventeen suitcases containing clothing of expensive brands and two vehicles were seized.

As a result of rapid investigations carried out by the Sector for the Investigation of Economic and Financial Crime within the Directorate for the Investigation of Economic and Financial Crime at the State Police General Directorate, based on information obtained regarding a case of goods smuggling and their sale through informal channels, the operation codenamed “Brand 3” was organized and finalized.

As a result, seven individuals were identified who, in cooperation with one another, were smuggling clothing from China and Turkey, storing it in Tirana, and then selling it while evading tax obligations.

These individuals were caught in flagrante during the operation while transporting, using two vehicles, 17 suitcases containing clothing of expensive brands suspected to be smuggled, which were seized as material evidence.

At the conclusion of the actions:

– the following individuals were arrested: S. B., 69 years old; B. Ll., 72 years old; and A. B., 57 years old;

– criminal proceedings were initiated against the following individuals: R. Ll., 45 years old; I. B., 39 years old; E. B., 23 years old; and Z. M., 65 years old.

The procedural materials were referred to the Prosecution Office at the Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction in Tirana for the criminal offenses of “Violation of industrial property rights,” “Smuggling of other goods,” “Trading and transporting goods that are contraband,” “Non-payment of taxes and duties,” and “Concealment of income.”

“KORÇA BOOM”