by Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn federal authorities have halted the trial of former heavyweight boxer Goran Gogić after allegations surfaced that three men conspired to pay a juror $100,000 in exchange for a not-guilty verdict. The bribery plot, reportedly connected to organized crime, prompted the dismissal of the jury and the scheduling of a new status hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Trial Halted After Bribery Allegation Surfaces
Gogić, a 43-year-old Montenegrin, faced charges of violating federal maritime drug law, accused of orchestrating a transnational cocaine smuggling operation involving container ships. His trial, initially set to begin Monday, was adjourned after federal prosecutors uncovered the alleged bribery scheme.
U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack scheduled a status hearing for December 17 to address the developments and plan the next steps.
FBI Claims Men Discussed $100K Bribe at Staten Island Home
According to court documents, Mustafa Fteja, Valmir Krasniqi, and Afrim Kupa met at Krasniqi’s Staten Island residence to discuss the plan. An FBI agent noted that the conversation, conducted in Albanian and English, was recorded.
Authorities say Fteja indicated he knew a juror personally and that the group intended to offer $100,000 in cash to influence the verdict. The complaint quotes Kupa confirming the amount:
- Fteja: “How they gonna pay?”
- Kupa: “Cash. One, one hundred thousand.”
Two Suspects Detained While One Is Released on Bond
Following their arrests, Fteja was released on a $150,000 bond, while Krasniqi and Kupa remain in custody. All three men are listed as residents of Staten Island. Attempts to reach the men were unsuccessful, according to reporting from The Associated Press.
Suspect Linked to Gambino Crime Family
Court records indicate that Afrim Kupa has a long criminal history, including ties to the Gambino crime family. A 2020 federal ruling noted his involvement in supplying multi-kilogram amounts of cocaine and marijuana to organized crime associates, as well as prior convictions including a 2013 drug case.
Boxer Goran Gogić Accused of Coordinating Multi-Ton Cocaine Shipments
Gogić has pleaded not guilty to three counts under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act. Prosecutors allege he masterminded the logistics for shipping large quantities of cocaine from Latin America to Europe and the U.S., using techniques such as:
- Offshore speedboats delivering cocaine to container ships
- Crew members hiding drugs in partially empty containers
- Duplicate seals to avoid detection by inspectors
Read Also: Miami Beach Police Charge YouTuber Jack Doherty with Marijuana Possession
Authorities also claim Gogić oversaw attempted shipments totaling 20 tons of cocaine in 2018 and 2019.
Largest Cocaine Seizure in U.S. History Linked to Case
On June 19, 2019, federal authorities seized 17,956 kilograms of cocaine from a Liberian-flagged container ship at the Port of Philadelphia. The seizure was the largest in the 230-year history of U.S. Customs. Investigators also linked Gogić to additional confiscations in Panama, Peru, and the Netherlands.
Case Continues Amid Bribery Investigation
With the jury dismissed and the trial postponed, federal authorities continue investigating the juror bribery allegations. The case remains under close watch as prosecutors evaluate whether further charges will be filed against the accused men.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you think jury tampering is a growing concern in organized crime cases? Join the discussion and share your opinions at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
