Pristina, 23 July 2010

From 06.00 hrs this morning Kosovo Police officers from the Special Prosecutor’s Office’s (SPRK) Anti-Corruption Task Force has been carrying out seven searches in Pristina at the private residences of four suspects, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo, as well as at the Central Bank of Kosovo and in one private company.

The related searches are in connection with an ongoing corruption and financial investigation into suspicion of abusing official position or authority, accepting bribes, tax evasion, trading in influence and money laundering.

The searches were duly authorized by a EULEX pre- trial Judge of the District Court of Pristina.

A Kosovo Special Prosecutor from the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPRK) as well as EULEX police monitors and a liaison officer are present at the Central Bank in order to provide oversight to ensure the effective gathering of evidence material and provide a full and proper explanation to persons present at the scene.

Following the searches the Head of the SPRK authorized the arrest and police detention of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo.

Press Contact:

Karin Limdal, Head of PPIO, +386 49 78 6350
Blerim Krasniqi, Acting Justice Spokesperson, +386 49 78 2930