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Gazeta Shqiptare

e premte 23 korrik 1993

In prison, the Cooper man

The big Lebanese chief is in Tirana from SHIK A turn in the smuggling investigation EDMOND JACI TIRANA — In the discussion room of the few "specialists" in smuggling, well-known names of people have been thrown around, but not company names. These names have been marked under "Cooper", a borrowed pseudonym used to cast a shadow over the customs file. Recently, a Lebanese man named Samir has been brought to Tirana and is being investigated as one of the links in this scheme. On this matter, it was reported that his detention was carried out a few days ago in cooperation with SHIK structures. Newspaper sources said this is a figure linked to a broader smuggling network and that he could lead investigators to the main organizers. SHKODËR — The "long chain that leads toward Albania" has begun to be uncovered more clearly. According to sources, it has involved points in the north and center of the country, exploiting gaps in control. Investigators believe the file may also implicate people of standing. In 1987 the story of the two main characters begins. One of them was known as "Cooper", a foreign name used to conceal illegal activity. The other was a Lebanese man moving between Italy, Albania, and other Mediterranean countries. Their route, according to sources, was tied to untaxed goods, currency movements, and suspicious intermediaries. In 1989 the Italian Misteri began his activity in the Trieste area and later appeared in connection with other ports. According to investigation sources, he had access to circles where traders, transporters, and people from the underworld mixed. In that period, it appears, the first contacts with Albanians were also established. In 1992 a new phase begins. The investigations uncovered suspicious movements passing from Albania toward Montenegro and Southern Italy. Samir’s name now appears as a link that may clarify who is hiding behind the pseudonym "Cooper" and what the concrete smuggling routes were. Sources close to the investigation say that the material gathered so far is substantial, but work is continuing. Further arrests are not excluded, while the file is being expanded with new testimony. Asked by the newspaper, an official said that at this stage no further names can be given. According to him, the case is delicate and involves several countries. However, the arrival in Tirana of the Lebanese figure is seen as an important turning point in the investigation. What is this bell stolen for
Samir Cooper Edmond Jaci Tiranë Shkodër Trieste Shqipëri Mal i Zi

Uncaught for 8 months, caught by the Shkodër police

The Yugoslav citizen was wanted for murder and robbery SHKODËR — Yugoslav citizen Sllobodan Nikoliç has been arrested by Shkodër police officers; for 8 months he had been on the list of the most wanted persons. His detention took place near the city after an operation carried out on the basis of operational intelligence. According to the police, Nikoliç is accused of murder and robbery committed in Yugoslavia and is suspected of having been hiding on Albanian territory. Official sources said he had used various connections to avoid arrest and had repeatedly changed his place of residence. The police statement says that during the search, documents and other items were found, and they are being verified. The Albanian authorities have begun contacts with the Yugoslav side regarding further procedures. Sources from Shkodër said his arrest was made without incident. Investigations are continuing to clarify how he entered the country and the people who helped him.
Sllobodan Nikoliç Shkodër Jugosllavi Territori Shqiptar

Pensioners of the former regime

They: “And I do not receive a pension. Nexhmija, whereas I...” TIRANA — “This is how life has become for every pensioner who came from service, especially women; it is becoming increasingly difficult.” This is how the story begins of an elderly woman who says that after years of work she has been left without sufficient income and feels forgotten. She recalls that once she had a status and a more orderly life, whereas today she lives with the help of relatives. “I have to count every penny. Others receive a pension, Nexhmija... Whereas I?”, she says. In conversation with the newspaper, other retired women speak about everyday hardships, lack of medicine, queues and delays. Many of them believe that the transition has hit them harder than others. Some of them also complain about the way society looks at them, as if they were carrying on their shoulders the blame for a bygone time. “We have worked. Now we are alone,” one of them says. This is precious in the city in [?]
Nexhmija Tiranë

Happy birthdays

Every person in this homeland. This is a flame of fire spirits [?], but recent events show that the true spirit can never be kept hidden. The true “Albanian” nose is coming to light. BRIDGE The psychological interpreter [?] “For these 2 frames” has caught two people. Today the kiosk owner Shp[?]lar in the office [sa?]kori [?] min [e?] [se?] turns 50. CLOCK It comes in the name of reason and the ar[?]iven[?]t. Protection without [p?]ag[?]lotësh. It [?] for [a?]shtje [t?]. For [p?]adhamin of [h?] [po?] [?]. [n?] [a?] [e?] [x?]. PACKAGE The psychological interpreter “May you be happy on your birthday...” released 50 candles in this [s?]tina. In [o?] as a sign of [p?]ariv[?], to [m?] [n?] [a?], [e?] [v?] [p?]. HAPPY The psychological interpreter [?] has brought a gift to the two [b?]orës of [n?]e[?], [n?] [a?] [b?] [n?] [t?] [v?]. Note [p?]shëndetjeve and [k?] [s?] [?]. FAKO Psychological interpreter? May you be happy and well with [s?]it. Are words being opened or are the things [h?] being kept [se?], or [s?] [p?] [h?], [se?] [a?] [m?] [s?] [s?]. OK The psychological interpreter [?] [s?]mblot [n?] [v?] [v?] [v?]. [s?]mblot [o?] [p?] [a?] [n?] [m?] [t?], [r?] [m?] [n?] [s?] [o?] [m?]. For [i?] [v?] [?] [u?] [n?] [b?] [n?] [t?] [?].