The “hands” are tightened for Belinda Balluku, SPAK deepens the investigations into her properties in the name of “prestanomas”, implicated oligarchs and businessmen, here’s how the dismantling of phones and computers is expected to reveal other shocking data

The Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has decided to extend the investigation deadline against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku by another three months. The investigations against her include suspicions of corruption, money laundering and violations of equality in tenders in several different episodes. Sources close to the prosecution confirmed that the following were summoned to the SPAK premises: Erald Elezi, former director of KES and Gentian Gjyli, former director general of the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH).

The two officials, considered to be close to Balluk, have been summoned to officially familiarize themselves with the decision to extend the procedural deadlines. According to prosecutors, the case is considered complex due to the high volume and large number of tenders that are being verified. The three-month extension is made possible based on the law, to give the investigative group time to carry out additional actions to fully clarify the circumstances.

In-depth investigations

Balluku is suspected of having many hidden assets. During this time, the Special Court (GJKKO) has signed search warrants that have set in motion special prosecutors in an operation spanning several levels. The targets of these raids have not only been officials, but also family members, well-known businessmen and powerful oligarchs who have connections to Balluku. But the big turn in the investigation came precisely after the seizure of the phones and computers of these businessmen.

The dismantling of electronic devices has revealed shocking communications and data that shed light on a frightening corruption scheme. It is suspected that the secret communications have revealed other undeclared properties in the names of third parties, where it is suspected that former Deputy Prime Minister Balluku owns a large number of real estate assets, located in the most strategic areas of the country.

The map of her secret wealth allegedly includes luxury apartments and expensive villas, concentrated mainly in Tirana and on the coastline. This staggering wealth is suspected to be a direct product of affairs with public funds and golden roads. As part of the Balluk wealth investigation, it is learned that special prosecutors have also requested information abroad, through letter-orders. Therefore, Balluk’s investigations have been postponed as SPAK is “stitching” it up well as a file.

charges

We recall that Balluku was initially indicted on October 31 of last year for the construction of the Llogara Tunnel. A few weeks later, on November 19, a travel ban was imposed on her, while the request for her suspension from office was accompanied by controversy and a clash that ended in the Constitutional Court at the request of the government. The request was dismissed after the Constitutional Court did not reach the necessary quorum to issue a decision. In parallel, the investigations were extended to the 7 lots for the construction of the Grand Ring Road in the capital.

Investigations for which SPAK asked parliament on December 16 for authorization to arrest her, but after 3 months, the socialist majority rejected it by vote in parliament. At the end of last year and at the beginning of this year, numerous controls were carried out on almost all the companies that had won the competitions for the construction of the Tirana Ring Road. At least three other tender procedures are also under investigation. The competitions suspected of abuse are worth several hundred million dollars.

Recently, she was charged with corruption and money laundering. As part of these investigations, SPAK has seized a luxury villa in Dhërmi, which is suspected of being hidden wealth, obtained as a bribe during the period when she headed “Albcontrol”. Although the majority previously rejected SPAK’s request for her arrest, the Special Prosecution Office has not yet made a final decision on whether to turn to the Assembly again to request stricter security measures after the addition of the new charges.