Albanian criminal allowed to remain in Britain despite being convicted of smuggling migrants into UK

At the behest of Belgian officials, the National Crime Agency held the father of two, as well as his cousins Alket Dauti, 38, and Sabah Zaka, 40.

As a result, Alket - sentenced to 12 years imprisonment - fought against his extradition for two years before he was eventually sent to a prison in Belgium.

Kujdesi Dauti, 41, was convicted in 2018 in absentia by a Belgian court for smuggling migrants into Britain by hiding them in the backs of lorries (Stock)

PA

To avoid leaving any trace behind, the illegal migrants’ hands and feet were wrapped up in plastic bags.

Dauti has since pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle-taking in 2023 but has not yet received his sentence - which will take place at Snaresbrook crown court in London. His appeal against extradition has been put on hold.

The Crown Prosecution Service said: “Dauti has applied for permission to appeal to the High Court.

“The case cannot currently proceed because Dauti has a domestic criminal case in this country. He has been convicted of aggravated vehicle-taking and awaits sentence.

Dauti has since pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle-taking in 2023 but has not yet received his sentence - which will take place at Snaresbrook crown court in London

PA

“Under UK extradition law, a person cannot be extradited if there are domestic criminal proceedings (or a prison sentence to serve).”

When questioned by a reporter at his home, Dauti said: “I don’t have to answer to you.

“Don’t publish nothing (sic) from me because I do not give you authorisation to do so.”

After he was informed that the story was in the public interest, he responded: “Public interest? You are talking b****cks.”