SELEC awarded the most significant joint investigations carried out in the framework of SELEC, by the law enforcement authorities of its Member States, during the first semester of 2017, as an appreciation for the excellent results and efficient international cooperation.
The following joint investigations were prized:
First place
Joint investigation PEKOM that targeted dismantling an organized crime group dealing with cultural heritage objects’ smuggling, involving the Bulgarian and Turkish law enforcement authorities. The operation started with two suspects being arrested in France while trying to sell artifacts in an auction house. After an extensive exchange of information and several operational meetings supported by SELEC, in Republic of Bulgaria, 50 persons were detained and more than 7500 movable cultural assets in an approx. value of 300,000 USD were seized, while in Republic of Turkey, 16 suspects were deferred to the judicial authorities and 2571 artifacts in an average value of 980,000 Euro were seized.
Joint investigation COORDINATION/KOORDINIMI involved competent authorities of Republic of Albania and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and targeted dismantling an organized crime group dealing with drug trafficking. In Republic of Albania 9 persons were arrested, 998 kg 815 gr cannabis sativa, as well as 12 firearms and ammunition were seized. 258 kg 650 gr of cannabis sativa, as well as rifles and ammunition were seized by the law enforcement authorities of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. SELEC channel was evidenced as one of the fastest and most reliable tools, building favorable conditions between the law enforcement agencies from the involved countries.
Second place
Joint operation ALIAS involved the competent authorities of Republic of Albania, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Hellenic Republic and targeted an organized crime group dealing with drug trafficking. Using the green border, the organized criminal group was trafficking cannabis from Republic of Albania directly to Hellenic Republic or through The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Based on the swift information exchange done through SELEC, the joint investigation succeeded with the arrest of 27 persons and seizure of 251 kg and 418.29 gr. cannabis sativa, 425 cannabis seeds, 1 kg 3 gr. heroine, 247, 3 gr. Cocaine.
