The Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution (SPAK) has launched an investigation into Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj and his wife, Ajola Xoxa, uncovering a systematic corruption scheme and embezzlement of public funds. Both are accused of corruption, money laundering, and illicit financial gains through hidden financial mechanisms designed to benefit their personal and family interests.
Allegations Against Erion Veliaj
1. Corruption and Illegal Profits Through Public Funds
According to SPAK, Veliaj orchestrated and implemented an illegal financial mechanism, diverting public funds from Tirana Municipality for personal and family enrichment.
- He is accused of abusing public tenders and securing lucrative contracts for politically connected companies.
2. The “5D” Case and Embezzlement Scheme
One of the most severe charges against Veliaj involves the “5D” case, a massive public contract manipulation scheme that distributed funds to politically and financially linked individuals.
- Former Tirana Municipality directors Redi Molla and Mariglen Qato have also been indicted in this case, further implicating Veliaj as the leader of this corrupt network.
3. Money Laundering and Hidden Property Acquisitions
Investigations indicate that Veliaj and his associates obtained large sums of money, which were laundered through concealed transactions and luxury property acquisitions.
- SPAK has seized several properties and assets linked to him to verify the sources of financing.
Allegations Against Ajola Xoxa
1. Involvement in Corruption Schemes
Xoxa is accused of participating in nine instances of passive corruption alongside her husband, helping to disguise illicit financial gains from public funds managed by Veliaj.
- She played a key role in transferring and utilizing funds from the Municipality of Tirana’s questionable financial operations.
2. Money Laundering and Asset Concealment
SPAK charges Xoxa with money laundering, using legal entities and financial channels to transfer funds illegally.
- She allegedly purchased various luxury properties, which are now part of an ongoing SPAK investigation into their financial origins.
3. Fraud and Hiding Assets
Xoxa is also accused of failure to declare and conceal assets, omitting the financial sources of her and Veliaj’s wealth.
- Initially, she was placed under house arrest, but the Special Court of Appeals for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) later reduced her sentence to mandatory court appearances.
SPAK’s case against Erion Veliaj and Ajola Xoxa marks one of the most significant corruption investigations in Albania’s local government. The charges of corruption, money laundering, and public fund embezzlement could serve as a critical test for Albania’s judicial system and SPAK’s independence.
As investigations progress, upcoming court rulings will determine whether Veliaj and Xoxa will face harsher legal consequences or manage to defend themselves against these serious accusations.