In a stunning revelation, the British public relations firm ‘Kendal Global Advisory’ has officially confirmed that Erion Veliaj, the jailed mayor of Tirana, is one of its clients, as reported by investigative platform Shteg.org. While Veliaj remains in pre-trial detention on charges of passive corruption and money laundering, the PR firm is actively managing his public image, aiming to shield and salvage his political reputation on the international stage.
In an email response to Shteg.org, representatives from Kendal Global Advisory stated:
“Mr. Veliaj categorically denies the charges. His pre-trial detention could pose a risk to Albania’s EU aspirations.”
Despite repeated inquiries, neither the company nor Veliaj’s brother Arbër have disclosed the value of the contract or the signatory. However, Essential Content estimates that top-tier PR services like Kendal’s typically cost up to £25,000 per month, with an average monthly fee of around £4,672 (approximately €5,465).
Kendal Global Advisory, based in London, is known for working with high-profile clients across the globe, including governments, corporations, strategic investors, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Their website proudly declares:
“We deliver impactful counsel to help clients manage reputation—an essential source of value in today’s world.”
The firm describes past success in transforming clients into trustworthy strategic investors, including helping a wealthy Middle Eastern family rebrand across new sectors using speeches, media articles, and targeted events.
An Unseen Political Comeback?
Although physically detained since February 10, 2025, Veliaj remains unusually active online. His Instagram account has posted 156 times over 134 days, averaging more than one post per day. These posts include personal statements of innocence, cultural celebrations, public works inaugurated during his mayoral tenure, and condolences for public figures.
Political analyst Indrit Vokshi told Shteg.org:
“This is a calculated propaganda strategy. In Albania, politicians under criminal investigation often try to discredit the judiciary and shift public opinion.”
He added that many use PR firms to manufacture an image of victimhood, portraying themselves as honest leaders persecuted by corrupt systems.
This latest maneuver by Veliaj to engage a London-based reputation firm suggests a carefully orchestrated campaign to control the narrative—not only domestically but abroad, particularly as Albania seeks to align more closely with EU standards.
As the case against Veliaj continues to unfold, the question remains: can global PR spin undo the damage of local justice?
This article is based on investigative material provided by Shteg.org.