Former Kosovo footballer Albert Kuqi sentenced to 8 years in prison in Finland, accused of transporting 14 kg of drugs there
Express newspaper
26/09/2025 21:02
The Helsinki Basic Court has sentenced former Kosovo footballer Albert Kuqi to eight years in prison for three drug-related criminal offenses.
Kuqi, along with two other people, was accused of sending about 14 kilograms of cocaine to Finland on three separate occasions in 2024 and 2025. Nine and a half kilograms had already ended up on the market, he wrote. “iltalehti.fi”“.
The 33-year-old was accused of providing accommodation for the group that transported cocaine to Finland, as well as providing clients and helping to collect money from the trade.
However, according to the court decision, Kuqi had a more minor role compared to two other Albanians, Lulzim Gërxhaliu and Ergi Tusha, who were sentenced to ten years and two months in prison. They are considered responsible for organizing the trade.
According to the prosecution, they had committed the acts as part of the activities of a criminal group.
They are also forced to hand over to the state around 360 thousand euros, which they allegedly benefited from the crimes.
Thirteen people were accused in this group. Ten of them were convicted and three were immediately released.
The court decision is not final and can be appealed.
Kuqi played at the highest level of football in Finland and in the lower ranks. He retired in 2018.