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Tirana Incinerator/ SPAK takes Mërtir, Zoto and 12 defendants to trial

Politiko 2026-07-02 15:25:50

Tirana Incinerator/ SPAK takes Mërtir, Zoto and 12 defendants to trial

The Special Prosecution Office has closed the investigations into one of the most sensational incinerator files and has sent the criminal proceedings related to the Tirana incinerator concession for trial.

In the dock are 12 natural persons and two legal entities, among them Mirel Mërtiri and Klodian Zoto, who are accused of a number of criminal offenses, including fraud with serious consequences, corruption, money laundering and participation in a structured criminal group.

According to SPAK, the investigations resulted in violations of the law by officials of the contracting authority during the concession award procedure, which led to the announcement of the winning concession company "Integrated Energy BV SPV".

The prosecution emphasizes that, although the concession company has benefited from over 11.3 billion lek in revenue until 2023, the investments for the construction of the facility have been only around 21 million euros, much lower than foreseen in the contract.

According to the prosecution, Mirel Mërtiri and Klodian Zoto, who are considered the "de facto" owners of the company, have illegally benefited from significant amounts, using fictitious invoices, shell companies at home and abroad, as well as cash transfers. SPAK estimates that around 1.28 billion lek and 16.6 million euros were extracted through this scheme.

Investigations have also revealed that the money laundering scheme was carried out in collaboration with other Albanian and foreign individuals, who are accused of acting as part of a structured criminal group.

SPAK recalls that for other parts of this file, former Minister Lefter Koka, former Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Alqi Bllako and several other former officials have previously been tried with final decisions, while investigations continue in a separate proceeding to identify other criminal responsibilities.

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