A Police operation that started on Wednesday morning at the Kosovo Agency for Agriculture Development concluded with 21 arrests, 14 of which are state officials.
“In continuation of the Prosecution’s operation, in the early hours of the morning we undertook an extensive operation in Prishtina, Podujeva, Peja, Gjilan, and Istog where 21 defendants were arrested for giving and receiving bribes and abusing their official duties,” Prosecutor Rafet Halimi told media.
“14 of them are officials of the Ministry [of Agriculture] and several municipal officials of Kosovo. Most of them are directors,” he clarified.
He added that prosecution will request custody within 24 hours, claiming they have evidences to back their claims.
The Acting Director of the Investigation Department, Arben Paçarizi, said that Wednesday’s operation by the Kosovo Police was supported by special units and has lasted several months.
“Sufficient evidence has been provided about the suspects. We looked at five locations and received relevant evidence to take the case further,” Paçarizi said.
Ten officials from the same state agency were arrested in February and accused of bribery and abuse of authority.
About EUR 400,000, as well as several cars and laptops were confiscated at the time. Agim Nuha, the head of the agency, was among the arrested.
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Faton Peci, said that the ministry, which has become infamous because of its criminal schemes, will regain its reputation, trust, and image.
He encouraged farmers to cooperate with the state to denounce any action that violates and damages their work.
