Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime
| Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime Struktura e Posaçme Kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | SPAK |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 25 November 2019 |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | Tirana, Albania |
| Agency executive |
|
| Website | |
| spak | |
Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK (Albanian: Struktura e Posaçme Kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar) is an independent judicial entity tasked with investigating corruption and organized crime at the highest levels of government and society in Albania.[1][2] Τhe legal basis of the entity is Article 148/dh of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania and Law No. 95/2016 "On the organization and functioning of institutions for the fight against corruption and organized crime".[3]
Organizational structure
[edit]The National Bureau of Investigation (Albanian: Byroja Kombëtare e Hetimit – BKH) is a specialized unit of the Judicial Police responsible for investigating criminal offenses within the jurisdiction of the Special Prosecution, as defined by the Code of Criminal Procedure. The BKH consists of a director, investigators and Judicial Police services, all operating under the direct supervision of the Special Prosecution.[4]
The Special Prosecution (Albanian: Prokuroria e Posaçme kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar – PPKKO) is responsible for prosecuting cases and representing the state before the Special Courts. It oversees the enforcement of criminal decisions and carries out other legally mandated duties. Operating independently, the office is composed of special prosecutors appointed by the High Prosecution Council.
The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (Albanian: Gjykata Speciale kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar – GJKKO), which is the successor of the Serious Crimes Court, is composed of 18 judges, of which 5 are permanent and 13 are temporary. It handles all cases brought forth by the Special Prosecution.[5]
High-profile cases
[edit]- Incinerator Scandal – In response to complaints from Democratic Party MPs, on October 2020, SPAK initiated a series of investigations into the construction and operation of incinerators throughout Albania. Several high-ranking officials have already been convicted in connection with the case, facing charges of corruption and abuse of power.[6]
- Fraud in a Public Tender for Sterilization Equipment – On August 2023, former Deputy Health Minister Klodjan Rrjepaj and Health Minister Ilir Beqaj, along with others, were arrested on charges of abuse of office, fraud and falsification of documents. The case involves a €100 million contract signed in 2015 for the sterilization of surgical equipment in public hospitals. According to SPAK, the tender process was manipulated to undermine fair competition, favoring businessman Ilir Rrapaj, who was also among those arrested.[7]
- Indictment of Sali Berisha – On October 2023, SPAK launched an investigation into former President Sali Berisha over allegations of abuse of power. In December of that year, he was placed under house arrest for failing to comply with a court order requiring him to report to the police every two weeks. In September 2024, Berisha was formally charged with passive corruption, accused of using his influence as prime minister (2005–2009) to benefit his son-in-law in the privatization of state land in Tirana. Both Berisha and the Democratic Party have repeatedly denounced the charges, accusing the Rama government of violating the constitution and using “Stalinist measures” to suppress political opposition.[8]
- Arrest of Evis Berberi – On March 2024, Evis Berberi, former Director General of the Albanian Road Authority, was arrested on charges of accepting bribes from companies that were awarded public contracts. According to SPAK, he is suspected of benefiting from approximately €2 million, allegedly invested in real estate through a company he established to evade detection.[9]
- Dismantling of an Organized Crime Gang – On August 2024, the Albanian State Police arrested 15 members of an organized crime gang during a series of coordinated raids in Tirana. The operation was carried out with support from Europol and authorities in France and Belgium, who provided key intelligence to identify the suspects. The gang operated on an international scale, engaging in contract killings, drug trafficking and money laundering through cryptocurrency transactions.[10]
- Arrest of Ilir Meta – On October 21, 2024, former President of Albania Ilir Meta was arrested on charges of money laundering, passive corruption, non-declaration and concealment of assets. His party, the Freedom Party (PL), denounced the arrest as political persecution aimed at silencing the opposition. This marks the most high-profile corruption case since the establishment of SPAK, making Meta the second opposition leader to be detained, following Sali Berisha, who until recently remained under house arrest.[11]
- Arrest of Erion Veliaj – Incumbent mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, was arrested on February 11, 2025, on charges of corruption and money laundering.[12] Veliaj is accused of running a complex scheme involving bribes and money laundering through a network of NGOs and companies controlled by his wife and brother. His wife, Ajola Xoxa, was initially placed under house arrest on similar charges.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Editorial. "OSCE Presence in Albania supports SPAK and Special Courts". osce.org. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
- ^ Ligji Nr.95/2016
- ^ Redaksia (19 December 2019). "Ngrihet SPAK!". Shqiptarja.com.
- ^ Unknown. "Struktura e Posaçme Kundër Korrupsionit Dhe Krimit Të Organizuar". njihreformennedrejtesi.al. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
- ^ Redaksia (18 December 2019). "Pas SPAK ngrihet edhe Gjykata Speciale". Gazeta Shqip.
- ^ Redaksia (12 October 2020). "Albania's Three Waste Incinerators". exit.al.
- ^ Sinoruka, Fjori (17 August 2023). "Albania Arrests Former Deputy Minister Over Dubious Surgical Equipment Concession". Balkan Insight.
- ^ Çela, Lindita (14 September 2024). "Former Albanian PM Indicted for Corruption". OCCRP.
- ^ Admin (14 March 2024). "Arrest of Balluku's associate". Bota Sot.
- ^ Press office. "15 arrested in crackdown on high-profile Albanian criminal network". Europol. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
- ^ Zhulati, Enri. "Albania's Former President Arrested". Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Erebara, Gjergj. "Erion Veliaj, Rising Star in Albanian Politics Felled by Corruption Charges". Retrieved 11 February 2025.