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6 clusters · 25 sources · 50 days · First seen · Last updated
SPAK investigation into Belinda Balluku
Overview
The Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) has expanded its investigation into former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, adding charges of passive corruption, money laundering, and the concealment or non-declaration of assets. Investigators have identified a suspected link between public procurement and Balluku’s personal assets, specifically alleging that Arbër Abazi, owner of Alko Impex General Construction, invested between 288,000 and 410,000 euros to complete a villa in the ‘Green Coast’ complex in Palasë. This villa, which is suspected to be Balluku’s property but registered under Igli Tare, has been seized by authorities. Tare recently appeared at SPAK as part of the money laundering probe.
The inquiry encompasses at least eight procurement procedures, including the Llogara Tunnel and segments of the Tirana Outer Ring Road, as well as her tenure at Albcontrol. While political pressure mounts to strip Balluku of her parliamentary immunity, analysts suggest a shift in political support, noting she may be left to face SPAK independently.
Democratic Party leader Gazment Bardhi has criticized SPAK for its handling of the case, alleging that Balluku continues to exert ‘de facto control’ over the Ministry of Infrastructure and its subordinate institutions. Following a recent appearance before prosecutors, it was announced that the investigation into her alleged criminal activities has been extended until January 2027. Balluku has also faced public backlash following social media posts regarding police salary increases.
Entities
SPAK · Belinda Balluku · Gazment Bardhi · Democratic Party of Albania · Igli Tare
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] SPAK has added three new criminal charges against Belinda Balluku: passive corruption of high-ranking officials, concealment or non-declaration of assets, and money laundering.
- [● 8 SOURCES] A villa in the Green Coast complex in Palasë, suspected to be the actual property of Belinda Balluku, has been seized by court order.
- [● 7 SOURCES] The investigation involves the tender for Lot 7 of the Tirana Outer Ring Road, which had a budget of approximately 2.35 billion lek.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The investigation covers eight specific procurement procedures, including the construction of the Llogara Tunnel and various segments of the Tirana Outer Ring Road.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Arbër Abazi, owner of Alko Impex General Construction, allegedly invested between 288,000 and 410,000 euros to complete a villa in the Green Coast complex in Palasë.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Democratic Party parliamentary group leader Gazment Bardhi has called for the removal of Belinda Balluku’s parliamentary immunity to allow for her arrest.
Timeline
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[POLITICS] 6 sourcesBelinda Balluku faces extended SPAK investigation into corruption
Former Albanian Deputy PM Belinda Balluku appeared before SPAK as investigators extended her corruption and money laundering probe until 2027. Her recent social media posts regarding police pay drew heavy fire.
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[POLITICS] 3 sourcesGazment Bardhi criticizes SPAK over Belinda Balluku investigation
Democratic Party leader Gazment Bardhi has accused SPAK of failing to arrest Belinda Balluku despite corruption investigations and allegations that she maintains unofficial control over the Ministry of Infrastr
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[POLITICS] 6 sourcesBelinda Ballukut faces corruption probe and calls to strip immunity
Albanian Deputy Belinda Ballukut faces SPAK investigations into corruption and money laundering involving public tenders. EU officials and opposition leaders are calling for the removal of her immunity.
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[POLITICS] 2 sourcesBelinda Balluku faces intensifying SPAK corruption investigations
Former Albanian Deputy PM Belinda Balluku faces intensifying SPAK investigations into corruption and money laundering, amid signs of shifting political support from the Rama administration.
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[CRIME] 13 sourcesBelinda Balluku: SPAK seizes luxury villa amid corruption probe
SPAK has seized a luxury villa in Palasë linked to former Deputy PM Belinda Balluku, alleging she received it as a bribe in exchange for favoring a construction company in major infrastructure tenders.
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[CRIME] 3 sourcesIgli Tare appears at SPAK amid money laundering investigation
Former football director Igli Tare appeared at SPAK on Monday as part of a money laundering investigation involving the suspected concealment of assets belonging to Belinda Balluku.
Sources
24-ore.com · aktuale.mk · almakos.com · balkanweb.com · citizens.al · fjala.al · gazetaimpakt.com · gazetasi.al · gijotina.com · illyriapress.com · informim.net · kohajone.com · ntv.al · pinnews.com.tw · rdnews.al · rrugapress.al · rtsh.al · shekulli.com.al · shkodraweb.com · standard.al · telegrafi.com · tirananews.al · topalbaniaradio.com · veriu.info · voal.ch
This summary has been updated 6 times: see revision history