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Notorious Habilaj Gang’s Leader Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Kristo Kote Current Event Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has given Tuesday its verdict on Moisi Habilaj's group, sentencing 4 people to 37 years in prison. The leader of the criminal group was sentenced to 10 years in prison for several criminal offenses such as “Drug trafficking” and “Structured criminal group”.

Apart from Moisi Habilaj, Nezar Seiti, Meridian Sulaj and Fatmir Minaj were sentenced to 9 years in prison each. Earlier on, the Special Prosecution against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK) has requested the confiscation of assets owned by Moisi Habilaj, Florian Habilaj and their families.

Meanwhile, the value of the assets for which confiscation is requested amounts to 82,440,285 ALL, and all are located in the city of Vlora. The properties are 7 apartments, two buildings, a garage, unit type property, real estate and 5 vehicles.

SPAK has requested 63 years in prison in total for members of the criminal group called 'Habilaj'. Specifically, it demanded for Moisi Habilaj, 18 years in prison, Nezar Seiti 15 years in prison, Meridian Sulaj 15 years in prison and Fatmir Minaj 15 years in prison.

But in the decision of the Special Court against Organized Crime, all benefited from a shortened trial in application of Article 406/1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Nevertheless, Moisi Habilaj was arrested several years ago as part of the Italian police operation Venti dei Rosi. Italian police have declared the convicted trafficker, who has been on the run for a long time, internationally wanted, after he escaped from the apartment where he was under 'house arrest'.

Since the start of the investigation of the "Habilaj" file, where based on the interceptions of the Italians, SPAK accuses 11 people of being implicated in the cultivation and trafficking of hashish

On their parts, Former Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri and former Vlora director Jaeld Çela escaped serious charges and were convicted of abuse of office. For two other former local police officers, the trial is separate as long as they continue to be wanted.