An ex-Albanian intelligence chief – suspected of war crimes in his homeland – is on the run after jumping bail in his extradition case.
Ilir Nazmi Kumbaro, 58, (pictured) is wanted by the Albanian authorities on kidnapping and torture charges.
He successfully claimed political asylum in a false name in the UK in 1996 by posing as a Kosovan refugee and received full British citizenship.
He failed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 1 and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Extradition Unit are appealing to members of the public across the UK for any information about his whereabouts.
Detective Sergeant Pete Rance said: “We believe that Ilir Kumbaro has not fled the UK but has in all likelihood left London and is being harboured by friends.
“Although he does not pose a threat to members of the public, he is wanted in Albania where he faces charges of kidnap and torture.
“One of his alleged victims, a father-of-five, has not been seen alive since 1995.
“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.
“It is only right that we seek to arrest Ilir Kumbaro and put him back before the court that, in good faith, had entrusted him with bail.”
Kumbaro is accused in Albania that
he unlawfully and by force took or carried away Avdyl Loshaj against his will on or before September 30, 1995; Zison Kristopulli on October 21 and Remzi Hoxha between September 1 and November 30.
He is also charged that in relation to the three victims that being a public official or person acting in an official capacity intentionally inflicted severe pain and suffering.
Anyone with information about Kumbaro’s whereabouts should call the Met’s Extradition Unit on 020 7230 1640.
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