An indictment has been issued charging Valmir Krasniqi, 35, and Afrim Kupa, 52, both of Staten Island, with obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The charges stem from an alleged attempt to bribe a juror during the federal criminal trial of United States v. Goran Gogic in the Eastern District of New York.
According to the indictment, in mid-November 2025, Krasniqi and Kupa offered up to $100,000 to a juror identified as Juror-1 in exchange for a not guilty vote at the conclusion of Gogic’s trial. Both men were arrested on November 17, 2025, and have been detained pending trial.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., for the Eastern District of New York announced the indictment along with Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office.
“The indictment sends a clear message to the public that jury tampering and other efforts to undermine and corrupt the criminal justice system will not be tolerated,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “As alleged, these defendants obstructed a federal criminal trial in Brooklyn by attempting to bribe a juror. Our Office acted swiftly and vigorously to prosecute those involved in efforts to obstruct justice.”
Nocella also thanked Homeland Security Investigations in New York for their work on the case.
FBI Assistant Director Raia said: “Valmir Krasniqi and Afrim Kupa allegedly conspired to provide a significant cash bribe to potentially alter a juror’s vote related to a separate impending federal criminal trial. These defendants’ alleged attempt sought to influence a core principle of our criminal justice system and deprive the defendant his right to a fair trial. The FBI will never permit any individual to tip the scales in any proceedings and undermine our country’s democratic practices.”
Court documents state that jury selection for Gogic’s trial occurred on November 3 and November 5, 2025. Juror-1 was selected during this process. Between November 13 and November 17, it is alleged that Krasniqi and Kupa worked with another individual (CC-1) attempting to bribe Juror-1.
On November 13, Krasniqi reportedly arranged for Kupa and CC-1 to meet in Staten Island where plans were discussed regarding offering money for a not guilty vote at trial. Two days later, CC-1 informed Juror-1 about being paid up to $100,000 if they voted not guilty at Gogic’s trial.
The following day at Krasniqi’s home in Staten Island, all three discussed paying Juror-1 cash as part of their plan.
Krasniqi and Kupa were arrested on November 17 at their respective homes. At arrest time, Kupa had possession of personal information about Juror-1 including name, address, and place of employment; Krasniqi possessed a digital photograph of Juror-1 which he had sent via text message as part of furthering this scheme.
Goran Gogic faces charges under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act involving large-scale cocaine distribution using commercial cargo ships between May 2018 and July 2019. U.S law enforcement seized shipments totaling nearly 20 metric tons during this period.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant United States Attorney Emily J. Dean from the Organized Crime and Gangs Section with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Erin Payne and Jack Schneider.
All charges are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
