"33 former senior officials under investigation", Dumani: Corruption with sophisticated money laundering schemes

33 former senior officials have been placed under investigation during 2024, SPAK Chief Prosecutor Altin Dumani said during the annual report.

"The investigation has shown that corruption takes place through sophisticated schemes set up by senior officials," said Dumani.

He said that the value of the seized assets amounts to 27 million euros, while those confiscated amount to 36 million euros.

PART OF THE SMOKE REPORT

SPAK has adopted a series of important sub-legal acts. During 2024, out of 4422 requests followed by institutions, 982 of them came from state institutions. In 2024, in SPAK, 114 employees performed their duties, administrative employees, prosecutors, etc. Based on the current structure, 2024 closed with several vacancies, 40 investigators, 11 in administrative staff, etc. In total, there are 41 complaints of public commissioners that must be followed by the head of SPAK. January 2025-June 2026 the head of SPAK must attend 150-200 sessions. 4 joint orders have been signed between SPAK and BKH.

Regarding organized crime, during 2024, there was an upward trend in investigated and concluded cases. 18.8% increase in criminal proceedings compared to 2023. A 35% increase is also observed in completed investigations compared to 2023. There is a continuous improvement in the completion of investigations. During 2024, 33 former senior officials are under investigation, 2 of them in 2 different proceedings each.

In 2024, there are 10 senior public officials who have had final decisions. Proceedings for the crime of money laundering have also increased, amounting to 34%. During 2024, a total of 132 investigations initiated by referrals and not only were found. 2021-2024 SPAK has registered a number of new criminal proceedings. During 2024, 328 new criminal proceedings were registered, an increase compared to 2023. These data lead to improvement in the work of SPAK.

Compared to 2024, the total value of seized and confiscated assets has increased. Regarding security measures, SPAK has applied a policy. The number of prisoners who have been sentenced by SPAK constitutes 9.5% of the total. 165 people have been sentenced following SPAK proceedings. For 2024, 145 cases have been tried in the GJKKO, where the trial of cases for 54 cases has been completed. The trial for the others continues. SPAK takes measures and supervises the execution of criminal decisions. 20 decisions have become final in the GJKKO, 56 decisions have become final in the Appeal.

DUMANI ON THE PROBLEMS OF WORKING IN SPAK

1. Pressure on the institution, amid attacks and debate

2. ⁠Status of prosecutors after termination

3. Lack of legal advisors

4. ⁠Number of referrals

5. ⁠Completion of the case management setup

6. Creation of the unit of analysis, according to a contemporary model

7. Status of specialists as civil servants

8. Lack of competence by foreigners for Albanian subjects

9. The issue of non-extraditions from Dubai