Allegations of jury tampering have interrupted the New York City drug trial of former boxer Goran Gogic. On Monday, three men were arrested for reportedly attempting to bribe a juror with $100,000 in cash. This development led to the dismissal of the jury just before opening statements were scheduled to commence.
Bribery Scheme Uncovered
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Navarro, the suspects approached a juror and attempted to offer financial incentives for a not guilty verdict. Law enforcement believes that the defendants may have obtained jury information through individuals associated with the trial. The three accused will have a conference scheduled for December 17, following a 30-day break in the proceedings.
Details of the Bribery Attempt
- The arrested individuals are Mustafa Fteja and two others.
- Fteja reportedly had prior contact with the juror, referred to as “John Doe #1.”
- The corruption initiative unfolded between Thursday and Sunday.
- During their meetings, they allegedly discussed payments ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
- Conversations between the defendants captured in both Albanian and English were used as evidence.
Charges Against Goran Gogic
Goran Gogic faces serious charges for conspiring to smuggle cocaine into Europe. He is accused of overseeing the shipment of 20 tons (18.1 metric tons) of cocaine from Colombia to various U.S. ports using commercial cargo ships. Gogic has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Background on Goran Gogic
- Gogic is a former professional boxer with a record of 21 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws.
- He fought professionally in Germany from 2001 to 2012.
- Height: 6-foot-5 (1.96 meters); Weight: between 227 pounds (103 kg) and 250 pounds (113 kg).
Consequences of the Bribery Attempt
If convicted of drug smuggling, Gogic could face a sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison. Prosecutors allege that Gogic and his associates coordinated with crew members to transport cocaine using shipping containers. U.S. law enforcement has previously intercepted significant drug shipments linked to Gogic, including:
| Shipment | Weight | Street Value | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Carlotta | 1,437 kg (3,168 lbs) | N/A | Port of New York and New Jersey | February 2019 |
| MSC Gayane | 17,956 kg (39,586 lbs) | Over $1 billion | Port of Philadelphia | June 2019 |
The attempt to subvert the legal process through bribery has escalated the stakes in Gogic’s trial, resulting in heightened scrutiny and further delays in the proceedings.
