TIRANA, Oct 31 /ATA/ – Special anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku over alleged irregularities in a road construction contract on Albania’s southern coast and breaches of competition rules.
The Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) announced on Friday that as part of the investigation, Balluku, in her high-level government role as minister, has been formally notified of charges for alleged cooperation in committing the offense.
According to SPAK, the preliminary investigation focuses on actions taken by Balluku in her capacity as Minister of Infrastructure and Energy in connection with one procurement procedure: the “Construction of the Llogara Tunnel” on the Orikum-Himarë section of the SH8 highway (Vlorë-Sarandë).
The original tender was held on December 11, 2020, canceled, and later reopened on June 22, 2021, with a funding limit of 18,967,810,952.08 Albanian lek (excluding VAT).
SPAK clarified that Balluku was first notified of the investigation on October 21 through official letter number 37398. She informed the authorities on October 23 that she could not attend at the scheduled date and time.
Balluku appeared at SPAK’s offices as requested.
“As a citizen of the Republic of Albania and a public official, I see this as a process – a process that I hope will be based on transparency and the principles of justice in which I believe,” Balluku told reporters.
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