Samir Mane extends 'tentacles' even to Kosovo banking market

2022-04-18 22:37:48Investigim SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Samir Mane extends 'tentacles' even to Kosovo banking market

Samir Mane is in talks to expand his businesses even in Kosovo, where he is reportedly seeking to buy one of the three largest banks in Kosovo. The bank, which "oligarch" Mane is aiming to take control of in Kosovo, is one of the largest European investments there.

Already this major European investment, as Gazeta Blic says is likely to end up in the hands of a businessman from Albania, sending an additional harmful signal that foreign investors are leaving the country.

Kosovo's banking sector, built under imf and American supervision, has been among the safest in the region against negative financial phenomena, including money laundering. These phenomena are supervised in detail by the Central Bank of Kosovo and other competent bodies such as the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Kosovo Intelligence Agency.

Slightly different seems to be Albania, where high informality in the economy and businesses has not saved either the financial and banking sectors. The departure of European investors and their replacement with regional ones adds to the risk that such a thing could happen in Kosovo as well.

Currently in Kosovo, three Albanian banks have received operating licenses, while The Mane in Kosovo is also known as the owner of "Ferronicel", the industrial giant for processing nickel in Drenas. In Albania, Mane has been entering the banking market for a few years, after buying a second-rate bank.

As far as ferronicel is concerned, by the end of last year about 1,000 workers have been left out of work, for the fact that the management of ferronicel and its owner, Samir Mane exploiting the energy crisis, have made the decision to temporarily close the factory. Workers have sometimes protested, but their demands have not been taken into account by Kosovo's central institutions, including the government, either.

Samir Mane is known as one of the richest people in Albania and often questioned the origin of his wealth. Mane is also known as a man close to all ruling parties and opposition in Albania and Kosovo.


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