Original newspaper scan
scroll · drag · double-click

Gazeta Shqiptare

e mërkurë 7 korrik 1993

Customs scandal breaks out

Cigarette trafficking worth thousands of dollars Heads of the Financial Police in Tirana are dismissed. And everything is confirmed CIGARETTE trafficking that has been denounced repeatedly for months by “Gazeta Shqiptare” has now taken on the appearance of a real scandal. In Tirana, many people in high positions are “talking” in a confused way, trying to save themselves and close the case. The director of the Financial Police, the deputy director and the assistant director of the Financial Police have been suspended from their posts. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. Albanian government sources claim that there will be further important dismissals. At the center of public opinion’s attention is the scandal involving the import and customs clearance of $8 million worth of cigarettes, destined for the Italian market, but brought illegally into Albania and sold on the Albanian market without paying any customs duty. TIRANA – (c.d.s.) The director of the Financial Police denied yesterday the report that he had been suspended from office. He said that “there is nothing true” and that “everything is slander.” However, other official sources claim that he has been temporarily removed for investigative reasons. At the same time, it was reported that a series of files have been opened regarding the way customs documents, invoices and the incoming and outgoing seals on goods were handled at the port of Durrës and at the land customs posts. According to the information gathered, through various intermediaries, several shipments of cigarettes entered Albania with dual documentation: part of the cargo was presented as transit to Italy, while another part was put on the domestic market. This scheme, according to preliminary investigations, has been operating for months and has caused major losses to the state. Several customs officers, Financial Police employees, freight forwarders and traders are under investigation. Sources do not rule out the possibility that other senior officials may also be involved in the scandal. Some of the people questioned have denied all accusations, while others have admitted that there were “procedural violations,” but no real smuggling. In Tirana’s political circles it is being said that the case could also have serious consequences for the government. The opposition is demanding full transparency and criminal responsibility for all those who allowed the entry and circulation of duty-free goods. Meanwhile, the public waits to learn whether the scandal will end with a few formal suspensions or lead to real punishment of those responsible.
Tiranë Durrës Shqipëri Itali

Italian smugglers in Albania

Investigations into the presence of the motorboat in the waters of Durrës DURRËS – A surprise inspection was carried out yesterday on the smuggler’s motorboat from the Karavasta lagoon. The Albanian customs police found several watercraft and materials suspected of having been used for trafficking. The investigation is trying to determine whether the speedboat was linked to Italian smuggling networks. Documents, engine parts and signs indicating frequent movement between the Albanian and Italian coasts were found on board the vessel. The authorities are cooperating with the Italian police to identify the persons involved. According to investigators, the vessel may have been used not only for goods trafficking, but also for the illegal transport of people. The Durrës area and the surrounding coastline remain under constant observation. All the latest from the former communist property: The ship with people is seized
Durrës Karavasta Shqipëri Itali

“Methanol alcohol”: More arrests

Only two days of reading for the three dead EMONA IACI TIRANA – The first warning signs arrived on Tuesday evening, and police and health officials began acting in a hurry. Last night, further arrests were carried out in Tirana in connection with cases of poisoning from methanol alcohol, which has caused the deaths of several people and serious injury to others. According to initial sources, the investigations have focused on the sales and storage points for alcoholic beverages, as well as on the people suspected of supplying the market with counterfeit drinks or drinks mixed with toxic substances. Investigators are checking invoices, warehouses and the distribution routes of the goods. In Tirana hospitals, several patients who showed severe poisoning symptoms continue to be kept under medical supervision. Doctors state that the rapid intervention was crucial in saving lives, but warn that the consequences may be long-term for some of those affected. The authorities have called for maximum caution and have asked citizens to avoid buying drinks whose origin is unclear. Increased checks are being carried out in the market, and it is not excluded that the number of arrests may rise in the coming hours.
Emona Iaci Tiranë

Alert in Tirana after a phone call reporting a bomb at the post office

TIRANA – (c.d.s.) Yesterday afternoon the city was placed on alert after an anonymous phone call reporting that a bomb had been placed in a post office. The police immediately cordoned off the area and began checks, while entrances and exits were blocked for several hours. According to official sources, the call turned out to be false and no explosive device was found. Nevertheless, the incident highlighted the lack of equipment and specialized staff for such cases. Numerous witnesses described the panic that was created and the confusion in managing the situation.
Tiranë

Photo models: a profession also in demand in Tirana

Erosi pays 100 dollars for daring poses VATOS XAXHAKU If until a few years ago the term “photo model” was unknown in Albania, today it is being used more and more often, even in Tirana. Young girls try their luck in front of the camera, lured by high pay and the promise of fame. In a private studio in the capital, poses for magazines and catalogues are paid up to 100 dollars. In particular, girls with a good appearance are sought, girls who know how to move in front of the camera and are not shy about daring poses. Some see the phenomenon as a sign of modernization, while others see it as a result of poverty and the lack of job alternatives. In the new advertising and media market, photo models are finding new spaces. But there is a lack of clear rules, professional agencies and contractual protection. Often everything remains in the hands of verbal agreements. For many girls, this profession remains a quick way to earn money. For others, it is a dangerous dream that can lead to disappointment and exploitation. Crazy fashion in Magazine for 1,500 Italian scudi. Conquers 400 workers in Magdoni. Mosaic talent is sought for a house [?]
Vatos Xaxhaku Tiranë Shqipëri

Time in Albania

SUCCESSFUL AGREEMENT WITH COOPERATION IN SUPERMESI, FOR SUCCESSFUL COOPERATION. I UNDERSTAND THAT OUR DESIRED NEW OPEN RELATIONS WITH THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRY ARE BEING ALIGNED IN THIS WAY. Albanians who frequent shops and use services regularly now have one more opportunity. ALBANIANS HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING PAYMENTS IN LEK AND RECEIVING SUPPLIES UNDER FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS. This [?] has included new agreements with private operators and various institutions.
Shqipëri