Gjirokastra Prosecution completed the investigations and referred citizen A.B. to trial, on suspicion of having committed, more than once, the criminal offense of “laundering the proceeds of the criminal offense or criminal activity,” as provided for in Article 287 of the Criminal Code.

Preliminary inquiries into criminal case no. 13 of 2022 found that this national had acquired real estate through proceeds derived from illegal activities in the United Kingdom. Through property investments in Saranda and the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz used for passenger transport services, he is alleged to have engaged in financial transactions designed to circumvent reporting requirements under anti–money laundering laws, leading to his criminal prosecution.

In the course of the investigation, and at the request of Gjirokastra Prosecution, a “preventive seizure” was imposed on the assets belonging to A.B., as follows:

a. An apartment of 66.8 m² on “1 Maji” Street, Saranda;
b. An apartment of 160.7 m² on “1 Maji” Street, Saranda;
c. A Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Gjirokastra Prosecution Office reaffirms its full commitment to pursuing investigations into cases of illegal enrichment, taking all necessary measures to seize and confiscate assets illicitly obtained.