AlbChrome environmental investigation in Elbasan

The Elbasan Prosecutor’s Office launched a criminal investigation into AlbChrome following a report from the National Environmental Agency (AKM). The agency identified serious pollution at the site of the former Metallurgical Combine, where industrial waste from binder dusts had allegedly been accumulated in an open environment for years without safety measures. The AKM classified these materials as high-risk due to potentially carcinogenic components.

Prosecutor Kreshnik Ajazi formed a special investigative group to document the environmental state and determine responsibility for the mismanagement of hazardous wastes. Subsequently, authorities seized over 300 tons of dust from the Albchrome ferrochrome plant to serve as evidence. This action followed a suspension of activities by the National Inspectorate of Territory Protection, which found that 318 tons of hazardous waste were being deposited without valid contracts for disposal or processing. The seized material remains in the custody of Albchrome shpk, which is legally required to preserve it for the investigation.