SPAK

Arben Ahmetaj, a long-time member of Albania's parliament and former Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister is facing a request from prosecutors for his arrest on charges of corruption and money laundering.

Ahmetaj, 54, holds parliamentary immunity, so the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, has asked parliament for permission to arrest him.

Albanian Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime offices in Tirana. Photo: LSA

Kosovo and Albania authorities said they detained more than 50 police officers from both countries at the Vermice border crossing point as part of a police probe into bribery and corruption.

Albania's Special Court on Monday confirmed the decision by the Special Prosecution Against Organized Crime and Corruption, SPAK, on Friday to arrest the former General Director of Albanian Radio National Television, RTSH, Thoma Gëllçi, for abuse of duty over a tender worth about 708,000 euros.

Despite the potential security threat posed by their return, which all three countries say they are taking seriously, experts warn that these people cannot be reintegrated only by the political centre; the local communities where they live must play an even greater role.

Albania's Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, on Tuesday said that a former Deputy Interior Minister from the ruling Socialist Party, Rovena Voda, was under house arrest for suspected bribery.

Albania's Special Court Against Corruption and Organised Crime, in Tirana. Photo: LSA

An investigation carried out by Albania's Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, has resulted in 13 persons, including a judge, Enkeleida Hoxha, two doctors, a defence lawyer and some private citizens, facing corruption charges.

Albania's Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, on Friday launched an investigation into wiretapping carried out by the Anti-Mafia Prosecution Office in Catanzaro, in Calabria, southern Italy.