EU, Kosovo police in major operation against organized crime

PRISTINA, Kosovo – The European Union's police mission in Kosovo has launched a major operation against organized crime.

Local media reported that police arrested a governing party lawmaker in Wednesday's raids, and police also checked scores of bars and restaurants allegedly managed by criminal gangs.

The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, or EULEX, was leading the operation with the assistance of Kosovo police. Both declined to confirm the arrest of the lawmaker, only saying that "a massive operation led by EULEX is ongoing."

Local media said that the lawmaker's former driver was also arrested and is among a list of 51 people in senior public posts, including judges, municipal officials being sought by authorities.

EULEX helps Kosovo's fragile judicial system handle war crimes and organized crime cases.