Drug Trafficker's Trial Disrupted by Alleged Jury Bribery Attempt

Tue Nov 18 2025 16:49:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Three men face charges after allegedly attempting to bribe a juror in the drug trafficking trial of former boxer Goran Gogic, leading to the immediate dismissal of the jury.

In a shocking turn of events, the trial of Goran Gogic, an accused drug trafficker, was abruptly halted when three individuals were arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a juror with $100,000. Judge Joan Azrack has declared an anonymous jury will be assembled for the trial's continuation after a 30-day recess.

NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors confirmed that three men were arrested Monday for allegedly offering a juror $100,000 to ensure a not guilty verdict in the drug trial of former heavyweight boxer Goran Gogic. The bribery attempt led to the presiding judge dismissing the jury just moments before opening statements.

John Marzulli, spokesperson for the federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, stated that an anonymous jury will be convened when Gogic's trial resumes after a 30-day break. A conference has been scheduled for December 17.

Gogic, originally from Montenegro, was facing serious charges including conspiring to smuggle 20 tons of cocaine from Colombia to Europe through U.S. ports, a charge he has pleaded not guilty to. His attorney has yet to respond to requests for comments.

During the court proceedings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Navarro revealed that the three accused had allegedly acquired information about the juror through “individuals connected to this trial.”

Mustafa Fteja, one of the three charged, was released on a $150,000 bond after his initial court appearance, while co-accused Valmir Krasniqi and Afrim Kupa remain in custody awaiting further proceedings.

Law enforcement officials describe Gogic as a “major drug trafficker,” claiming he operated on an extensive scale. He synthesized an impressive boxing record of 21 wins against 4 losses during his career from 2001 to 2012.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Brooklyn federal court, the bribery scheme was executed over a few days, culminating in face-to-face meetings where bribes were discussed. Federal investigators reportedly recorded multiple conversations among the defendants discussing their plans in both Albanian and English.

If convicted of the charges concerning his drug trafficking activities, Gogic could face a minimum sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment.

Notable drug shipments linked to Gogic have been intercepted, including a massive seizure of nearly 18,000 kilograms of cocaine in June 2019 — one of the largest in U.S. history.