An Albanian murderer has been discovered secretly living in the United Kingdom for a second time, despite having been deported more than a decade ago. Afrim Sinani, 54, was seen on a high street last week and has been traced to a suburban address. His new neighbors are likely unaware of his violent history, according to reports.
Background of the Crime
Sinani shot a man in a revenge killing and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 1996. However, he escaped and, along with his wife, entered the UK illegally by hiding in a lorry in 2000. He settled in Ilford, Essex, with his family before being tracked down and extradited to Albania in 2010.
Return to the UK
According to new reports, Sinani is now back in the UK, living with his family in a council-owned home in northeast London, where properties have sold for over £400,000. His extradition came after a lengthy international manhunt. Using the alias Afrim Pulaj, Sinani had fraudulently obtained asylum and a British passport by claiming to be a Kosovan refugee.
Between 2000 and 2010, Sinani, his wife, and their three children received £120,000 in benefits. After his deportation, his family was allowed to remain in the UK. It is unclear how or when Sinani returned to the UK, but it is understood he was released from an Albanian prison in 2017.
