Two Britons have been arrested by Albanian spooks and accused of spying after border police found radio transmitters in their luggage.
The pair were quizzed on allegations of espionage by officers at Tirana International Airport after they discovered sophisticated Kenwood radios in their luggage.
They told the officials they were IT engineers who were carrying the amateur gear to indulge their hobby while on holiday in Albania.
One suspect was registered as using a “ham radio” in the Tirana region on online profiles, which also say he specialises in “electronic warfare”.
Albanian police confirmed that they have opened a probe over allegations of “spy activities” and “espionage”
A source said: “It’s highly unusual to be carrying this sort of equipment and even more strange for someone to be stopped and accused of being a covert agent.”
The two Britons were held on May 30 and then allowed to return to the UK. However they remain under investigation, police say. The electronic kit by Kenwood – which makes a range of cutting edge communication devices – was sent to the Albanian Criminal Laboratory for further examination.
The Cybernetic Unit is assisting with the investigation along with the State Intelligence Service.
Eduard Merkaj, director of the border police, said: “It is an ongoing investigation and we are continuing to examine the machines seized.”
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