Spy chief wanted for torture is living on benefits in London

Ilir Kumbaro, wanted in his native country for the torture and kidnap of three men, used a false identity to claim asylum in Britain in 1996 posing as a Kosovan refugee. Since then he has lived for more than a decade in a second-floor council flat.

He was discovered after accidentally giving his real name while trying to claim incapacity benefits for depression. Although he later cancelled the registration, it was enough to alert detectives.

The 55-year-old now faces extradition after being arrested.

Today, as his secret life was finally uncovered, his neighbours revealed how he and his friends - known locally as the Albanian mafia - had made their lives a misery.

Kumbaro entered Britain in August 1996 under the name Shaqa Shatri, convincing immigration officials he was fleeing Serb persecution. Under his assumed identity, he was granted indefinite leave to remain and was issued with a British passport.

He was given incapacity benefits on account of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is understood he received jobseeker's allowance and housing benefits, and has been unemployed throughout his 13-year stay in Britain.

Kumbaro moved to a council estate in Fulham, living with his wife and son. Neighbours claimed they suffered years of harassment and intimidation by him and his friends. They said the problems began when his family carried out renovations on the three-bedroom property, sparking complaints to Hammersmith & Fulham council.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "When I complained over the noise, he began swearing and shouting 'I will kill you'. I was so scared. They terrify the whole block." Others questioned how he had been able to deceive authorities for so long. Another neighbour said: "Surely there is a way of finding these people out.

"It was a nightmare. One time there was a huge fight at their house, there was blood in the hallway. We call them the Albanian mafia. They are definitely not refugees."

One of Kumbaro's alleged victims, father-of-five Remzi Hoxha, has not been seen alive since 1995. His family fear he was tortured to death, and Kumbaro has been implicated. Mr Hoxha's son, Ardian, said not knowing what happened to his father was unbearable. He said: "We have been waiting every day. It is really, really painful." His uncle, Nebi, added: "Kumbaro needs to be punished. He needs to be brought back to Albania."

Kumbaro was arrested in September last year by the Met's extradition unit, following a request from Albanian authorities in June last year. Kumbaro claimed the two other people living in his flat were his female cousin, Naxhie Azemi, and a male friend, Ervin Kumbaro. But Interpol evidence showed Kumbaro had a son called Ervin, born in 1980. He also had a wife, Vjollica, whose picture matched Ms Azemi's.

Kumbaro's secret life came to light at Westminster magistrates' court yesterday as Judge Howard Riddle sent the case to the Home Secretary to decide on whether he should be extradited.

Judge Howard said: "He fled his country shortly after the offences complained of, adopted a false identity and maintains to this day he is not Ilir Kumbaro." The Home Office and Hammersmith & Fulham council were unavailable for comment.

HOW HE HID HIS PAST

24 September 1995 to 17 October 1995: Allegedly kidnaps and tortures Zison Kristopulli.

1 September 1995 to 30 November 1995: Allegedly kidnaps and tortures Avdyl Loshaj.

21 October 1995 to 19 February 2003: Allegedly kidnaps and tortures Remzi Hoxha, now presumed dead.

August 1996: Arrives in Britain under the name Shaqa Shatri.

January 2003: Moves to a flat in Hammersmith with wife "Naxhie Azemi".

January 2005: Moves to three-bedroom flat in Fulham with son Ervin Kumbaro

2008: Kumbaro registers with health authority using his real name.

June 2008: Albanian authorities issue a request for Kumbaro's arrest.

10 September 2008: Detectives raid Kumbaro's home, arresting him.

24 March: Judge rules "Shatri" is Kumbaro and orders the case be sent to the Secretary of State to decide on extradition.