Prishtinë, the 12th of February 2015

Kosovo Police, precisely, the Directorate of Investigation of Organized Crime, after several months of intensive investigations, regarding the criminal activity of a well-organized group which continuously was smuggling migrants towards European Union states, today on 12.02.2015 in the Prishtina region, (at a certain location), conducted a police operation coded “PUNTO”, in which case they arrested one suspect and houses and additional facilities were searched.
The suspect in cooperation with other suspects from the states such as Serbia and Hungary, have managed in organized way to smuggle persons from Kosovo towards EU States, for illegal material benefits.
This group during their criminal activity used the roads from Kosovo through Serbian and Hungarian territory with intention that from there they continue towards European states.
To transport the victims, this group used various transporting means such as vehicles and regular bus lines toward Serbia. Price for one migrant varied around 1500-2200 euro, depending on the final destination. During the process of investigation are identified around 30 victims of this crime who were deceived by this criminal group. Identified migrants are from all over Kosovo.

The suspect is:

1. A. J. born on 1971, Kosovar/albanian

During this operation the following are seized as material evidence:

1. Cash money 39 000 (thirty nine thousand) euro (hidden in the house chimney)
2. 16 (sixteen) bullets caliber 7.62
3. 1 (one) vehicle brand ‘Mercedes’
4. 2 (two) cell phones
5. 3 (three) SIM cards and
6. Other documents.

The suspected person is sent in police detention for further legal proceedings.

Investigation of this case will continue for other possible suspects.