Thursday, December 8, 2011

Albanian former spy chief Ilir Nazmi Kumbaro on the run in Britain

Albania's former intelligence chief is in hiding in Britain as he tries to dodge extradition to his homeland where he faces torture and kidnapping charges.

Ilir Nazmi Kumbaro Former Albanian intelligence chief Ilir Nazmi Kumbaro is on the run (Picture: PA)
Ilir Nazmi Kumbaro was due to appear at Westminster magistrates’ court in London for an extradition hearing on Thursday but failed to attend.

The 58-year-old is accused of six offences of torture and abduction, including the kidnap of father of five Remzi Hoxha, who went missing in 1995.

He has left his home in Fulham, west London, and police believe he is being harboured by friends.

‘Although he does not pose a threat to members of the public, he is wanted in Albania,’ said Det Supt Pete Rance.

‘The seriousness of his alleged crimes is the reason we want to find him. This is a high-profile international investigation that has involved public expense in the UK.’

Kumbaro claimed asylum in Britain 15 years ago by posing as a Kosovan refugee. Using the name Shaqa Shatri, he was granted leave to remain and issued with a British passport.

He lived in a council house and his double life was only brought to an end in 2008 when he inadvertently used his real name to apply for welfare benefits.

Detectives, who had been looking for Kumbaro since June 2008 at the request of the Albanian government, were alerted and he was arrested three months later.

He has twice been granted bail since his capture despite objections from the Crown Prosecution Service which feared he may abscond.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/884187-albanian-former-spy-chief-ilir-nazmi-kumbaro-on-the-run-in-britain#ixzz1fyCX5ECq

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