Two Albanian nationals were arrested by Special Branch officers at Gibraltar Airport on Wednesday 20th February, after the officers investigated information received regarding suspicious flight bookings that had been made for several individuals intending to travel from Gibraltar to Manchester that afternoon.

Andrea Koraqe 50 and Igli Lavdari 24, were intercepted by Special Branch officers after they had presented themselves at the Airport Departures Control Point with the intention of accessing the Departures area to board a flight to Manchester departing a short while later.

Koraqe claimed to be a Greek citizen using a forged Greek Identity Card whilst Lavdari purported to be French citizen using a forged French passport. Lavdari was also found to be carrying a forged Spanish Identity Card. As visa-requiring nationals, both were also arrested for being found in Gibraltar without a valid permit in breach of the Immigration, Asylum & Refugee Act.

Both were later charged with Possession of Forged Instruments under the Crimes Act as well as with Immigration offences, and at their appearance before the Magistares’ Court on Friday 22nd February, both pleaded guilty and the matter was adjourned until the 1st March for sentencing.

In connection with these arrests, Policia Nacional officers acting on intelligence provided by Special Branch have arrested and charged two Spanish nationals in La Linea with facilitation of illegal immigration.