Albanian Check Up health concession scandal exposes millions of euros funneled to businessman Vilma Nushi

Investigative program Plug revealed that the state‑funded Check Up health service concession in Albania was used to channel tens of millions of euros to businessman Vilma Nushi. Through her firms Marketing & Distribution, 3P Life Logistic and the construction company Victoria Construction, Nushi allegedly siphoned over €74 million paid by the state budget, using self‑invoicing and profit withdrawals.

A state audit by the Health Insurance Fund (KLSH) confirmed that between 2015 and 2018 the government overpaid the concessionaire by about 925 million lek (roughly €10 million). Payments covered analyses that were never performed, variable costs that should not have been billed, and improperly collected VAT. Oversight bodies such as the Fund for Compulsory Health Insurance (FDKSH) failed to monitor contract execution, and tender procedures were flagged as predetermined with preferential terms for Nushi’s company.

The reports detail that the concession contract projected 475 000 medical checks per year, but actual delivery fell far short, leading to excessive payments. The investigation highlighted systemic weaknesses in public procurement and financial control within Albania’s health sector.