FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The long-awaited "Sky ECC" trial began this Monday in Namur. It is named so because the 58 defendants in the case are linked to the "Sky ECC" encrypted messaging system, which for many years has enabled criminals to carry out their illegal activities while escaping police investigations.
The charges against these 58 people are varied: cultivation and sale of cannabis, possession of weapons, theft of electricity, money laundering and participation in a criminal organization. Most of the offenses occurred between 2016 and 2024.
The first to be questioned was an Albanian man in his thirties, who is considered the suspected leader of the organization. He denied this role, saying: "They are accusing me from all sides and more than necessary. When I came to Belgium I needed a lot of money, but I have not harmed anyone. Later I communicated with others through Sky ECC, but there were no orders. I do not recognize myself at all in the profile they attribute to me."
Surgery and escape to Spain
However, his behavior has been unusual in the face of the charges. Wiretaps have shown that he coordinated activities at the various plantations where he personally visited. According to Judge Hauquier, he fled to Spain and was wanted by Albanian police. It is said that he underwent surgery there and changed his name to avoid being found.
"This is completely untrue, and the surgery was for a problem with the nasal septum," he added.
His wife also had to give explanations for suspicions of money laundering and participation in the organization. She firmly denied the accusations: "I have done nothing illegal and I have no connection to any organization."
Another family member of the suspected leader, his sister, was also present. She was to answer for money laundering charges. She is suspected of having received money in Albania and then sent it to Belgium in the form of family loans.
When her brother was arrested, she immediately became a suspect and was arrested while in Italy.
"I'm surprised to be here. I used a phone that my brother sent me, but I didn't know it had Sky ECC inside. Moreover, we only had family conversations there. I must say that since his arrest, there have been many conflicts in the family. Everyone works in the field of justice and no longer wants to have contact with him," she said.
On Tuesday, the other defendants are expected to be heard, before the prosecution presents its closing arguments.
Lini një Përgjigje