Press Release

Berat Prosecution Office has concluded its investigation into criminal case no. 221 of 2018, seeking a 22-year prison term for the defendant, D.Sh, under the charges of “Trafficking in adult persons” as stipulated in Article 110/a of the Criminal Code. 

Following a thorough examination of all gathered data and evidence, the Prosecution has determined that there is ample proof of the defendant's involvement, alongside citizens E.M. and F.D., in the criminal offence with which she was charged. Through active actions, she recruited and transported the victim, M.S., to Italy with the explicit intent of exploiting her for prostitution.

The defendant, D.Sh, has recruited, transported, and trafficked the victim from Berat to Vlora and then to Italy employing methods akin to modern slavery, preventing her from meeting and communicating with other people and family members, compelling to comply with every order of her. She trafficked the victim M.S., a fact confirmed by the victim's testimony, wherein the defendant threatened: "You will go to Italy, and if you dare speak to the police, we are going to kill your mother”.

The victim, M.S., stated that in February 2018, while unemployed and receiving assistance from the social services of Berat, she encountered the defendant E.M., an acquaintance, which quickly became formal and extended to their respective families. After the completion of their respective ceremonies, she moved in with her fiancé, who generally treated her well. However, doubts regarding the sincerity of the defendant arose swiftly when, during a Facebook conversation, she being introduced to his mother, citizen D.S., has disclosed the plan for her transfer to Italy. 

Upon the investigations and conclusions of Berat Prosecution Office, the court found D.Sh guilty and sentenced her to 17 years behind bars.