Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime
Albanian anti-corruption and organised crime prosecution structure
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The Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (Albanian: Struktura e Posaçme Kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar, SPAK) is an independent Albanian constitutional and judicial structure responsible for investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption, organised crime and other offences under its legal jurisdiction.[1][2][3] SPAK is composed of the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime and the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH).[1]
(Operations jurisdiction)Albania
| Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime Struktura e Posaçme Kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar | |
|---|---|
| |
| Abbreviation | SPAK |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 19 December 2019 |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| National agency (Operations jurisdiction) | Albania |
| Operations jurisdiction | Albania |
| Legal jurisdiction | Republic of Albania |
| Specialist jurisdictions | |
| Operational structure | |
| Overseen by Institutional and international monitoring | High Prosecutorial Council International Monitoring Operation |
| Headquarters | Tirana, Albania |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent agency | Independent constitutional prosecution structure |
| Website | |
| spak | |
SPAK was created as part of the 2016 justice reform in Albania, a constitutional and legislative reform package supported by the European Union and the United States. The reform amended the Constitution of Albania and introduced Law No. 95/2016 on institutions for combating corruption and organised crime.[1][4] The Special Prosecution Office officially began operating on 19 December 2019, after the appointment and swearing-in of its first eight prosecutors.[2][5]
SPAK has become one of the most visible institutions of Albania's justice reform. Its investigations have targeted former presidents, former prime ministers, ministers, mayors, senior public officials, judges, prosecutors and organised crime groups.[6][7][8] The European Commission has repeatedly described SPAK as having made progress towards a solid track record in fighting high-level corruption, while also noting that corruption in Albania remains widespread and that more final convictions and asset confiscations are needed.[9]
Legal basis and jurisdiction
SPAK was established through constitutional amendments adopted in 2016 and through Law No. 95/2016 "On the organization and functioning of institutions for combating corruption and organized crime".[1] The law defines the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime as consisting of the Special Prosecution Office and the National Bureau of Investigation.[1]
The Special Prosecution Office conducts criminal prosecution and represents the accusation on behalf of the state before the special courts against corruption and organised crime, the courts of appeal and the High Court. It also supervises the enforcement of criminal judgments and performs other functions assigned by law.[1]
The structure has national jurisdiction and is located in Tirana. The National Bureau of Investigation may establish temporary or permanent offices outside Tirana when needed for investigative purposes.[1]
The Special Prosecution Office has jurisdiction over offences listed in Article 75/a of the Albanian Code of Criminal Procedure. These include crimes committed by structured criminal groups, criminal organisations, terrorist organisations and armed gangs, as well as criminal charges against high-ranking public officials and former officials when alleged offences were committed during the exercise of office.[2] Officials within this jurisdiction include the president, speaker of parliament, prime minister, ministers, judges of the Constitutional Court and High Court, the prosecutor general, the high justice inspector, mayors, members of parliament, deputy ministers, members of the High Judicial Council and High Prosecutorial Council, and heads of independent or central institutions defined by the Constitution or law.[2]
History
Justice reform and creation
The creation of SPAK was one of the central elements of Albania's 2016 justice reform, which aimed to address corruption, organised crime, political influence over the judiciary and lack of accountability among judges, prosecutors and senior officials. The reform package was adopted with cross-party support and under strong international pressure and assistance, particularly from the European Union and the United States.[1][3]
The reform also created or reorganised several related institutions, including the High Prosecutorial Council, the High Judicial Council, the International Monitoring Operation, the special courts against corruption and organised crime, and the National Bureau of Investigation.[1]
The Special Prosecution Office began operations on 19 December 2019 with eight prosecutors. According to SPAK's Strategic Plan 2024–2027, the High Prosecutorial Council had previously approved fifteen prosecutor positions, but the office started with an incomplete staff. During its first year, it operated with thirteen prosecutors and inherited cases from the former Serious Crimes Prosecution Office.[2]
Operational development
During its first years, SPAK faced problems related to staffing, premises, the absence of a fully functioning BKH and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] In 2020, the European Commission recognised the full operationalisation of the Special Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Structure.[2]
SPAK later adopted a series of internal strategies and bylaws. Its 2024 annual report listed documents including the Strategic Plan 2024–2027, the ICT and Cybersecurity Strategy, the Media Communication Strategy 2025–2028, and a strategy for the investigation and prevention of electoral crime.[10]
The Strategic Plan 2024–2027 defines SPAK's mission as combating corruption, organised crime, money laundering and terrorism, and identifies goals including improving investigation standards, reducing case backlogs, strengthening international cooperation, improving electoral-crime investigations and increasing public trust.[2]
Organizational structure
Special Prosecution Office
The Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (Albanian: Prokuroria e Posaçme kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar) is the prosecutorial branch of SPAK. It is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases within SPAK's jurisdiction, representing the state before the special courts, supervising enforcement of criminal judgments and carrying out other duties defined by law.[1]
The office is composed of special prosecutors appointed by the High Prosecutorial Council. Prosecutors and employees of the office are subject to special appointment criteria, background checks and monitoring of financial data and telecommunications, including in relation to close family members, as provided by law.[1]
National Bureau of Investigation
The National Bureau of Investigation (Albanian: Byroja Kombëtare e Hetimit, BKH) is the investigative branch of SPAK. It is a specialised judicial police unit responsible for investigating criminal offences under the jurisdiction of the Special Prosecution Office.[11]
The BKH consists of a director, investigators and judicial police services. Its investigators operate under the direction and control of SPAK prosecutors.[2] The BKH was initially not fully operational when the Special Prosecution Office began work in 2019; during the first phase, judicial police services were temporarily performed by officers from the former Serious Crimes Prosecution Office.[2]
Special courts
The special courts against corruption and organised crime are separate judicial bodies that adjudicate cases brought by the Special Prosecution Office.
First instance
The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (Albanian: Gjykata e Posaçme kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar, GJKKO) is the successor to the Serious Crimes Court. It hears cases filed by the Special Prosecution Office at first instance.[12]
Appeal
The Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime (Albanian: Gjykata e Posaçme e Apelit për Korrupsion dhe Krim të Organizuar) is the appellate court for decisions of the Special Court of First Instance.
Leadership
The head of the Special Prosecution Office is elected by the High Prosecutorial Council after a public selection process. Candidates present their platform before the Council, which then votes. The head serves a three-year term and cannot be re-elected for a consecutive term.[13][14]
| Name | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arben Kraja | 19 December 2019 – 18 December 2022 | First head of the Special Prosecution Office. |
| Altin Dumani | 19 December 2022 – 18 December 2025 | Elected by the High Prosecutorial Council in December 2022.[13] |
| Klodjan Braho | 19 December 2025 – present | Elected by the High Prosecutorial Council in December 2025.[15][16] |
Altin Dumani served as head of SPAK from 19 December 2022 to 18 December 2025.[17] He was succeeded by Klodjan Braho, who took office in December 2025.[18]
High-profile cases
Incinerators scandal
The Albanian incinerators scandal is one of the earliest and most prominent high-level corruption cases investigated by SPAK. The case concerns public-private partnership contracts for waste incinerators in Tirana, Fier and Elbasan.[19]
SPAK opened investigations after complaints by Democratic Party MPs and later filed charges against former officials and private actors. Several high-ranking figures, including former environment minister Lefter Koka and former Socialist MP Alqi Bllako, were investigated or prosecuted in connection with the case.[20][21]
Sterilisation concession case
In August 2023, former Deputy Health Minister Klodian Rrjepaj and businessman Ilir Rrapaj were arrested in connection with a concession contract for the sterilisation of surgical equipment in public hospitals. The case involved a contract signed in 2015 and valued at around €100 million.[22]
SPAK alleged that the tender process had been manipulated to undermine fair competition and favour the concession company. Former health minister Ilir Beqaj was also later investigated and prosecuted in connection with the broader case.[23]
Sali Berisha case
In October 2023, SPAK launched proceedings against former president and former prime minister Sali Berisha over allegations of passive corruption related to the privatisation of former sports-club land in Tirana. In December 2023, Berisha was placed under house arrest after refusing to comply with a court order requiring him to report to police.[24]
In September 2024, Berisha was formally indicted on corruption charges. Prosecutors alleged that he had used his influence as prime minister to benefit his son-in-law in a property transaction. Berisha and the Democratic Party of Albania denied the allegations and described the case as politically motivated.[25]
Evis Berberi case
In March 2024, Evis Berberi, former Director General of the Albanian Road Authority, was arrested on corruption and money-laundering allegations related to public contracts. SPAK alleged that Berberi had benefited from about €2 million connected to public tenders and had invested the proceeds through a company he controlled.[26]
The case later became relevant to the investigation of public infrastructure tenders involving former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku, because prosecutors cited communications recovered from Berberi's phone in the Llogara Tunnel investigation.[27]
Organised crime operations
SPAK and the Albanian State Police have participated in several operations against organised crime networks, often with support from Europol and foreign law-enforcement agencies. In August 2024, Albanian police arrested 15 alleged members of an organised criminal network during coordinated raids in Tirana. Europol said the group was involved in contract killings, drug trafficking and money laundering through cryptocurrency transactions.[28]
Ilir Meta case
On 21 October 2024, former president Ilir Meta was arrested after a SPAK investigation into allegations of passive corruption, money laundering, tax evasion and concealment of wealth.[6][29] His party, the Freedom Party of Albania, denounced the arrest as political persecution, while Meta denied wrongdoing.[30]
In May 2025, Meta was formally charged with corruption, money laundering, tax evasion and hiding property. His former wife, Monika Kryemadhi, was also charged. AP reported that prosecutors alleged Meta had abused public office to benefit financially, concealed property and failed to account for lobbying expenses in the United States. Meta rejected the allegations and accused SPAK of acting as an "anti-opposition task force" for Prime Minister Edi Rama.[31]
Erion Veliaj case
On 10 February 2025, the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime ordered the detention of Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, after SPAK accused him and others of corruption and money laundering.[7] Veliaj denied the allegations.[32]
SPAK alleged that Veliaj and people close to him had benefited from companies that received public funds or favours. The court ordered pre-trial detention, citing the risk of influencing witnesses and evidence.[7][33] Charges communicated in July 2025 included abuse of office, corruption, money laundering, concealment of assets and bringing illegal items into prison.[32]
The handling of the case drew political and legal controversy. Former justice ministers Ylli Manjani and Fatmir Xhafaj criticised aspects of the case and the use of detention, while court documents cited the risk of witness intimidation and destruction of evidence.[34][35][36]
In 2026, Veliaj challenged aspects of the proceedings, including the appointment of prosecutor Olsi Dado, arguing that alleged procedural irregularities could affect the validity of the case.[37]
Belinda Balluku case
In October 2025, SPAK announced criminal charges against Belinda Balluku, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, and several ministry officials in connection with public tenders including the Llogara Tunnel.[27][38]
According to prosecutors, messages recovered from the phone of Evis Berberi allegedly showed communications about tender deadlines and bidder details.[27] SPAK accused the group of creating unjust advantages for a Turkish consortium in violation of procurement rules. Balluku denied wrongdoing.[27]
On 20 November 2025, the Special Court ordered security measures against Balluku, including suspension from government duties and a ban on leaving the country.[39] In December 2025, Reuters reported that SPAK had requested parliament's approval to arrest her because of parliamentary immunity.[40] In February 2026, Prime Minister Rama dismissed Balluku as deputy prime minister and infrastructure minister amid the continuing corruption probe.[8]
AKSHI public procurement investigation
In late 2025, SPAK announced an investigation into alleged systemic corruption in public procurement procedures at the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI).[41][42]
Prosecutors alleged that a criminal network had rigged at least twelve public procurement procedures. Businessmen Ermal Beqiri and Ergys Agasi were reported among the central suspects, while AKSHI director Mirlinda Karçanaj and deputy director Hava Delibashi were placed under house arrest.[43][44] Prosecutors cited intercepted communications, digital recordings and financial trails as evidence that contracts had allegedly been steered towards companies linked to Beqiri and collaborators.[45][42]
Reception and assessments
European Union and international assessments
The European Union has repeatedly praised SPAK for strengthening Albania's fight against corruption and organised crime.[3][9] The European Commission's 2025 report stated that SPAK had consolidated positive results in fighting high-level corruption and made tangible progress towards a solid track record, but also said that corruption remained widespread and that more final convictions and asset confiscations were needed.[9]
EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said that EU member states appreciated SPAK's work, including its investigations and cooperation against criminal networks and corruption.[46][47]
The United States has also supported SPAK as part of Albania's justice reform. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana congratulated Altin Dumani on his election as SPAK chief prosecutor in 2022 and described SPAK's independence and integrity as essential to justice reform.[48]
Public support
SPAK has received significant public attention and support in Albania, especially because of investigations against previously untouchable political figures. International media have described SPAK's investigations as unprecedented in a country long affected by corruption, political impunity and organised crime.[49][50]
Criticism and controversy
SPAK has also faced criticism from political actors, lawyers and commentators. Opposition figures targeted by investigations, including Ilir Meta and Sali Berisha, have described the institution as politically influenced, while the government and international partners have generally defended SPAK's independence.[6][25]
The use of pre-trial detention in high-profile cases has drawn scrutiny within the broader context of Albania's justice system. Some lawyers and commentators have argued that detention measures should be more carefully justified and proportionate, while courts and prosecutors have cited risks of witness intimidation, evidence destruction or influence over proceedings in specific cases.[51][7]
Some commentators have also raised concerns about perceived selectivity in SPAK's case selection and timing, particularly during periods of political conflict.[52] Supporters of the institution argue that such criticism often comes from political actors affected by SPAK investigations and that the institution's independence should be protected from pressure by both the government and opposition.[9]
See also
- Judiciary of Albania
- National Bureau of Investigation (Albania)
- Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime
- Corruption in Albania
- Organized crime in Albania
- Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime cases