EMRI/ Turkey extradites Albanian drug boss to Belgium

Turkish authorities have extradited Albanian drug lord Flamur Sinanaj, 51, known by the nickname “Baksteen” and also by the pseudonym “Maradona” on the Sky ECC app, to Belgium. He arrived in Belgium last week under federal police escort after spending about two and a half years in custody in Turkey.

Sinanaj, a former Antwerp resident, was sentenced to eight years in prison for drug trafficking in 2010. He is expected to face justice in the process known as the Bressers Trial, where he is accused of leading a group that extracted cocaine from containers of manganese ore smuggled to Western Europe.

According to the indictment, he also served as a money courier, moving around 17 million euros of the criminal organization. The trial is currently suspended and is expected to resume on March 16 with a new panel of judges.

The extradition is considered unusual, as Turkey has recently been seen as a haven for fugitive criminals, especially after their escape from Dubai. Turkish law allows citizenship for investments of $500,000, which has been used by some wanted individuals. Sinanaj and his Bosnian accomplice, Sani Al Murdaa, had obtained Turkish citizenship, but it was revoked after the media revealed their criminal pasts.

Meanwhile, Al Murdaa remains at large. He was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison by a court in Dendermonde for his role in the “Kookwas” case, which involved the trafficking of cocaine hidden in products such as cement, building materials and ton.

Happening now...

18:02 BOTA

Cypriot sources: Lebanon's Hezbollah launched drones that targeted British bases on the island

17:50 BOTA

Trump to CNN: Big wave of attacks on Iran hasn't started

17:42 HAPPENING NOW

"I'll cut off your ears...!"/ Threatened cocaine buyer for debt, Albanian trafficker caught hiding in Barcelona

17:31 BOTA

Operation in Iran/ Qatar shoots down two Russian fighter jets coming from Iran, Trump does not rule out sending troops to Iran

17:27 POLITICS

"Injustice", Braçe to the Minister of Economy: Find a solution for pensioners who did not benefit from the compensation scheme

17:14 SPORT

Asani and Lushka leave Iran, Albanian players cross the border

16:52 BOTA

"We are in a dangerous period", Macron: France will increase its nuclear arsenal!

16:45 POLITICS

The Socialist Party (PS) is holding its leadership meeting tomorrow! Here's what is expected to be discussed

16:38 HAPPENING NOW

Sentenced to prison in Italy, Albanian cocaine trafficker arrested in Barcelona

16:34 POLITICS

DP announces the next protest: On the day of the hearing on Balluk's immunity, citizens will be in front of the Parliament!

16:28 POLITICS

Iranian Opposition Proclaims Interim Government from Durrës: Tyranny Died with Khamenei's Death! Our People Want a Secular and Free State and a Democratic Republic

16:20 SPORT

First Division/ The best lineup of week 24 is published, Çela the best coach

16:12 BOTA

Another Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia! The refinery of the famous company, FIFA partner and World Cup sponsor, is hit

16:07 BOTA

His uncle was eliminated/ Who is the moderate nephew of the founder of the Islamic Republic who could take on a role in the future!

Want to read more news