The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on several criminal groups from the Western Balkans, including one based in Kosovo, suspected of involvement in document forgery and human trafficking.
According to an official statement from the British Government, and in cooperation with Kosovan authorities, the “Krasniqi Network” has been sanctioned. The group is described as a criminal organization operating from Kosovo, allegedly running a sophisticated laboratory for producing forged documents.
British authorities revealed that the network had manufactured fake passports, ID cards, and driver’s licenses from over 50 countries, including those of the United Kingdom. These forged documents were then used by other criminal gangs for human trafficking purposes.
Those listed under the sanctions include:
Burim Krasniqi (leader of the “Krasniqi Network”), Arif Krasniqi (mediator connecting the group with clients), Flamur Krasniqi, Valon Krasniqi, and Sami Duriqi (involved in document production), Granit Avdyli (responsible for production and promotion), Nexhmie Selmani (provided facilities and equipment), and Endrit and Shembim Emerllahu (handled possession and production of fake documents).
Ahead of the Berlin Process Summit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that there exists a “criminal route through the Western Balkans bringing illegal migrants to the UK,” emphasizing his government’s commitment to shutting down this network in cooperation with European partners.
