An Albanian murderer who was deported from the UK more than a decade ago has returned and is living in a council-owned home in north-east London, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Afrim Sinani's criminal past
Afrim Sinani, 54, was convicted of a revenge killing in Albania and sentenced to 20 years in prison in 1996. He escaped custody and, together with his wife, entered the UK illegally by hiding in a lorry in 2000. Using the alias Afrim Pulaj, he falsely claimed to be a Kosovan refugee, securing asylum and a British passport. He settled in Ilford, Essex, with his family and claimed £120,000 in benefits before his true identity was discovered.
Extradition and return
Following an international manhunt, Sinani was extradited to Albania in 2010. His wife and three children were allowed to remain in the UK. It is believed Sinani was released from an Albanian prison in 2017. The circumstances of his return to the UK remain unclear, but he has been traced to a suburban address in north-east London, where properties sell for over £400,000.
Sinani was seen on a bustling high street last week and appears to be keeping a low profile, often leaving home in the early hours. In 2021, a construction firm was registered at his current address under his wife and son's names. When approached by the Mail, Sinani's wife declined to answer questions, and Sinani did not respond to written inquiries.
Political reaction
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned the situation, stating: 'This despicable criminal should be urgently deported.' The Home Office responded: 'We are committed to removing foreign national offenders at the earliest opportunity.'
