Former Albanian Intelligence Chief and Son Convicted in Gambling and Related Crimes
Overview of the Case
The former head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service, identified as P.Sh., along with his son, A.Sh., have been convicted on multiple charges including illegal gambling activities, leaking state secrets, and possession of unauthorized firearms.
Details of the Charges and Investigation
The court sentencing followed requests from the Berat Prosecutor’s Office, which charged the father and son with running illegal lottery or gambling operations, unlawfully manufacturing or holding firearms and ammunition, and betraying state secrets entrusted to them.
The investigation began after the police received reports of gambling activities at a property in the “30 Vjetori” district. Authorities discovered that P.Sh. was operating a venue equipped with numerous computers running online games similar to those found in licensed casinos.
Technical examinations revealed that these devices operated via specific applications or software facilitating online gambling.
A search of A.Sh.’s home uncovered a bronze-colored metal firearm magazine loaded with five unfired 7.62 mm cartridges, a black bag containing three loaded magazines, and two USB drives labeled “Turbox” and “Kingston.”
Statements and Legal Findings
P.Sh. explained that he handed over his firearms when resigning in November 2023 but inadvertently retained the ammunition found later at his residence. He claimed the cartridges belonged to older firearms he discovered in the former intelligence service building and kept as keepsakes, unintentionally leaving them at his home.
However, prosecutors confirmed that the firearms themselves had been returned. Further analysis revealed that two files on one of the USB drives contained classified documents exclusively held by the State Intelligence Service (SHISH). Copying such materials is strictly forbidden under SHISH regulations and constitutes a serious breach of classified information security.
Sentencing and Probation
The Berat Prosecutor’s Office sought a conviction for P.Sh. on the charge of illegally organizing gambling activities, recommending a two-year prison term. However, his sentence was reduced by one-third and suspended, resulting in a probation period lasting two years and eight months.
A.Sh. was convicted for unlawful manufacture and possession of firearms and ammunition, receiving a six-month sentence, and for disclosing state secrets, which carried a two-year sentence. Like his father, his sentences were reduced and suspended, but he faces a ban from holding any public office for at least five years.
