On Tuesday, a court in Shkodra, Albania, granted Russia’s extradition request for Russian citizen Igor Kokunov, who is suspected of being an “accomplice or supporter of serious crimes in Russia”.

Kokunov, aged 59, was apprehended on August 28 at the Muriqan border crossing in northwest Albania.

At the time of his arrest, the Albanian Police indicated that Kokunov was “internationally wanted by Interpol Moscow, as Russian authorities had issued a ‘prison arrest’ security measure against him”.

His defense attorney, Isuf Shehu, announced plans to appeal this decision to the Court of Appeals, citing humanitarian reasons.

Shehu expressed concerns over the lack of guaranteed fair trial rights in Russia, highlighting reported abuses in pre-trial detention and prisons.

In response to the heavy police presence during Kokunov’s court hearing, Shehu described it as “excessive” and emphasized that the Russian citizen “does not pose a threat”.

Furthermore, Shehu refuted claims in the Albanian media suggesting that “Kokunov is part of dangerous criminal groups operating in the Balkans”.

The operation leading to Kokunov’s arrest in August was codenamed “Moscow” and was conducted based on information exchanged between Interpol Tirana and Interpol Moscow.