Ilir Beqaj, the former Minister of Health and former Director General of the State Agency of Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC), has been arrested on charges of corruption and failure to declare income. Beqaj is accused of concealing ownership of the restaurant Gzona and a vehicle, and of collaborating with Eusair project coordinator Ermal Kurtulaj, who is also under arrest, to engage in fictitious procurements in violation of EU aid contracts.
The charges and allegations
According to SPAK, Beqaj invested approximately €21,411 and 4 million lek in asset purchases, and reported €34,783 as expenses without declaring them as loans to the company. Prosecutor Elida Kaçini claims that Beqaj managed his interests in the restaurant Gzona through Kurtulaj.
Despite the court initially suggesting that the charges be based on fraud rather than corruption, it ultimately upheld the corruption charges against Beqaj.
Investigation findings
A months-long investigation revealed that eight services were conducted in 2023, including events and conferences, without following proper procurement procedures, with predetermined winners. Among the violations, the prosecutor listed two conferences on the future of tourism and the environment, each valued at €125,000, matching amounts procured by the Ministry of Tourism for an event titled “Festa.” In both cases, the contracts were awarded to a company managed by Gazmend Haxhia, who is now under arrest, and director Alfred Nikolli, who is under house arrest. According to SPAK, the only service provided was organizing a dinner at the restaurant Gzona, valued at 4 million lek.
Arrests and legal measures
Three individuals have been arrested and are in custody, two are under house arrest, and three are under judicial supervision. Elton Marini, under house arrest, is a partner in a private company and is suspected of being involved in the scheme, communicating with Kurtulaj to write a €16,600 invoice. Others, such as private entity representatives Bledar Leka and Bjona Ziaj, are suspected of issuing fictitious invoices.
Conclusion
The arrest of Ilir Beqaj highlights serious concerns about corruption and misuse of EU funds within high-level government positions. As the investigation unfolds, it is expected that justice will take its course, and those involved will be held accountable for their actions.