Kosovo authorities arrest nine in call center fraud network

Nine individuals have been arrested in Kosovo following a large-scale police operation targeting a suspected call center fraud network. The operation, conducted in the Pristina region, uncovered a scheme where suspects allegedly used call centers to target foreign citizens, deceiving them into investing in financial platforms and cryptocurrencies.

The arrested individuals include Ariana Plakici, a former Big Brother VIP Albania participant, and former footballer Toni Salihu. Authorities state the group operated in an organized manner with divided roles to achieve illicit financial gains. During the raids on four locations, police seized 39 computers, 12 external hard drives, mobile phones, a vehicle, a weapon with six bullets, and a significant amount of cash.

The Basic Court in Pristina has ordered one month of pre-trial detention for all nine suspects. The court cited risks of flight—noting that three suspects are German citizens with frequent international travel—and the potential for suspects to influence the proceedings or destroy evidence.