Albanian authorities arrested Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, on Monday, accusing him of corruption, money laundering, and related crimes. If convicted, Veliaj could face up to 15 years in prison, prosecutors said.
The Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) also charged Veliaj’s wife, Ajola Xoxa, placing her under house arrest. SPAK alleges the couple secured more than 1 million euros ($1.03 million) in illicit income over four years through a corrupt scheme.
Veliaj denied the charges, calling the evidence fabricated and politically motivated. His family’s lawyer, Ermir Beta, told OCCRP they had no comment on the court’s measures, citing unfamiliarity with the full details of the case.
Businessmen Elman Abule, Shkëlqim Fusha, Gentian Sula, and Fatmir Bektashi were also charged in connection with the investigation.
“These individuals are suspected of providing illegal benefits to the mayor and his wife—either directly or through NGOs—ranging from real estate and luxury travel to payments for fictitious services,” SPAK said in a statement.
SPAK also pressed charges against Socialist Party deputy Klotilda Bushka, chairwoman of the Law Commission, accusing her of obstructing the investigation.
Prosecutors claim Veliaj approved construction permits and facilitated the transfer of public funds from the Municipality of Tirana to companies controlled by Xoxa and her associates. Investigators allege the couple used the scheme to acquire a villa in Qerret and amass approximately 110 million lek ($1.15 million) in illicit income.
During a search of Xoxa’s company, Partners Law, authorities discovered 95,000 euros ($98,000) in cash, as well as nearly $15,000 and 665,000 lek ($6,900). Bank accounts tied to Xoxa and her companies at Intesa Sanpaolo Bank and Banka Kombëtare Tregtare held nearly 870,000 euros ($897,540), which have been frozen by court order.
Prosecutors say part of the illegal funds was used for luxury purchases, including 86.7 million lek ($900,000) spent on clothing and jewelry.
Veliaj, 45, was once considered a rising star in the Socialist Party and a potential successor to Prime Minister Edi Rama. His political image, however, has been tarnished by multiple scandals, including the incinerator affair.
In December 2024, SPAK confirmed that Veliaj had been under investigation for corruption, money laundering, and income concealment. The case remains ongoing, with additional evidence expected in the coming weeks.
