Belinda Ballukut faces corruption probe and calls to strip immunity

Albanian Deputy Belinda Ballukut is facing investigations by the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) regarding allegations of corruption, money laundering, and concealment of assets. The investigation involves claims that public tenders were manipulated in exchange for luxury villas located in southern Albania.

European Parliament member Isabel Wiseler-Lima has called for the removal of Ballukut’s parliamentary immunity, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence and the success of SPAK in gaining public trust. Meanwhile, Gazment Bardhi, leader of the Democratic Party parliamentary group, has urged SPAK to resubmit the request for immunity removal. Bardhi highlighted that the allegations include multiple counts of corruption, money laundering, and violations of tender equality, arguing that the fight against corruption must not be selective.