Kosovo central bank chief arrested

23/07/10 20:20 CET

world news

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The governor of Kosovo’s central bank has been arrested in an anti-corruption investigation by EU officials. Hashim Rexhepi was detained by Kosovo police a day after a UN court backed Kosovo’s self-declared independence from Serbia.

The EU has nearly two thousand law enforcement officials in Kosovo. It says the inquiry concerns suspected bribes, tax evasion, influence-peddling and money laundering.

Blerim Krasniqi, Eulex spokesman said: “Today Kosovo police officers which are part of the anti-corruption task force, together with EULEX have conducted seven searches including the offices of the Central Bank of Kosovo and private businesses.”

The operation in Pristina is unlikely to help Kosovo’s fight for international recognition. The territory’s received four billion euros in aid, but investors regularly complain about corruption and organised crime.

More about: EU Foreign Policy, Kosovo

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