Following the latest round of US sanctions impacting Albanian citizens, one of those named—Yli Ndroqi—has vowed to fight to get his name off the list, stating it was “misinformation” that led it to be placed there.
Yesterday, the US State Department declared persona non-grata former MP Aqif Rakipi and Ndroqi, who owned Ora News and Channel 1, for threatening “the stability of the region through corruption, criminal activity, and other destabilising behavior.”
“Ndroqi has utilized media outlets formerly under his control to extort and blackmail Albanian citizens through demands for money and advertising purchases in exchange for withholding publication of negative media stories,” reads the press release.
In a statement, Ndroqi said, “considering that this decision was made on the basis of misinformation, strongly believing in the fairness of the decision-making of US institutions, I will use my right to request the removal of the name from the list by making available to the authorities any information they need.”
He added that he has respected the laws of Albania, contributed to the economy, believes in the judiciary and reforms, and believes friendship with the US is essential and based on the values of democracy and the rule of law.
“I express confidence that this decision will be reviewed and the name will be removed from this list. I will also keep you informed of the next steps.”
Ndroqi’s assets were seized in 2020 after he was accused of being convicted abroad for drug trafficking under another identity. SPAK ordered the sequestration of property, vehicles, and businesses, including the two television stations that he owns.
SPAK explains that Ndroqi, also known as Xhemail Pasmaçiu, has been arrested twice:
– On September 2, 1998, the Istanbul police arrested in flagrante delicto with 30.5 kg of heroin, Ylli Ndroqi, identified as Xhemail Pasmaçiu, and six other people. Interpol Tirana has confirmed the data and it turned out that Ylli Bahri Ndroqi, born on March 11, 1965, born and living in Tirana, is the same person as Xhemail (Xhemal) Pasmaciu (Pasmaçiu), arrested in Turkey.
– In 2004, in Italy, Ylli Ndroqi (aka Xhemail Pasmaciu), was referred to the Judicial Authorities at the end of an operation, as the organizer of drug trafficking on behalf of a criminal group. In 2006, the Milan prosecutor’s office issued an arrest warrant for Ndroqi. He was arrested on 17 February 2015, based on an arrest warrant issued in 2006.
Ndroqi claims innocence and said local proceedings are politically motivated.
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said “The people designated today constitute a serious threat to regional stability, institutional trust, and the aspirations of those seeking democratic and judicious governance in the Western Balkans.”
In addition to Rakipi and Ndroqi, the US sanctioned a number of politicians across the region, including former Prime Minister of North Macedonia Nikola Gruevski.
Rakip and Ndroqi are the fifth and sixth Albanians designated by the US. Last May, the US banned former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, from entering the United States, following similar bans on former General Prosecutor Adriatik Llalla, former Mayor of Durres Vangjush Dako, and former MP Tom Doshi.
