A Key Figure in Albanian Business and Politics
Gentian Sula is a well-known Albanian businessman, primarily recognized for his ownership of the “Kodra e Diellit” residential complex in Tirana. Over the years, he has expanded his influence in the construction and real estate sectors, securing numerous government contracts and development projects. However, recent investigations have placed him at the center of corruption allegations, linking him directly to questionable dealings with political figures, including former Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj.
Connections with Erion Veliaj and Political Ties
Sula’s name recently surfaced in the SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure) investigation that led to the arrest of Erion Veliaj. According to prosecutors, Sula and Veliaj have known each other since 2004 and have engaged in multiple transactions and business dealings, raising suspicions about favoritism and illicit exchanges.
One of the key allegations is that Sula’s company, “Agi Kons”, received lucrative construction permits and public tenders from the Tirana Municipality in exchange for financial favors to Veliaj and his wife, Ajola Xoxa. Investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that, in return for these lucrative deals, the Veliaj-Xoxa couple was given access to a luxury villa in “Marea Resort” in Qerret, a coastal area in Kavaja.
While the property was never registered under their names, telecommunication data and testimonies from Veliaj’s staff and drivers allegedly confirm their frequent stays at the villa. This has strengthened suspicions that Sula may have facilitated the use of this property as an unofficial bribe.
SPAK Investigation and Ongoing Legal Scrutiny
Sula’s business dealings have been under scrutiny for years, but the latest SPAK probe has intensified legal pressure on him. Prosecutors are looking into whether his relationship with Veliaj led to an unfair competitive advantage, effectively monopolizing certain real estate and urban development projects in Tirana.
Additionally, authorities are investigating his connections with other business elites, including Shkëlqim Fusha and Fatmir Bektashi, who are also implicated in the same corruption scandal.
Although Sula has not been arrested, he is currently under judicial surveillance, meaning he is required to report regularly to authorities as investigations continue.
A Broader Picture of Political and Business Corruption in Albania
The case involving Gentian Sula, Erion Veliaj, and several high-profile businessmen is seen as a crucial test for Albania’s fight against corruption. The SPAK investigation is being closely followed by both domestic and international observers, as it could set a precedent for tackling high-level corruption in the country.
If proven guilty, the case would not only damage the reputation of Sula and other implicated figures but could also shake the foundations of Albania’s political and business elite. The upcoming court proceedings will be decisive in determining whether this is just another corruption scandal or a major step toward transparency and accountability in Albanian governance.