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Juror-Bribery Plot Forces Jury Dismissal in Goran Gogic Drug-Trafficking Trial

Prosecutors say recorded calls revealed a $100,000 approach, prompting a request for an anonymous, sequestered panel.

Overview

  • The FBI arrested Mustafa Fteja, Valmir Krasniqi and Afrim Kupa on jury-tampering and obstruction allegations tied to the case.
  • Judge Joan Azrack dismissed the seated jury and scheduled a status conference in 30 days as prosecutors moved for an anonymous, sequestered jury.
  • A criminal complaint cites recorded English- and Albanian-language conversations discussing paying between $50,000 and $100,000 and meetings in Staten Island.
  • Prosecutors said the conspirators obtained juror information from individuals connected to the trial, raising security concerns.
  • Goran Gogic remains detained at MDC Brooklyn with a Dec. 17 court date, as he faces MDLEA charges rooted in major 2019 cocaine seizures; Fteja was released on a $150,000 bond while Krasniqi and Kupa were detained.