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Incinerator Affair in Albania

Background

The Incinerator Affair has emerged as one of the most significant and deeply scrutinized corruption cases in the political landscape of Albania. Centered around the concession issuance for three incinerators – the Incinerator of Elbasan, the Incinerator of Fier, and the Incinerator of Tirana – the affair has become a focal point of contention between the ruling Socialist Party and the opposition Democratic Party. At the center of this intense and complex investigation stands the resolute and principled figure of MP Jorida Tabaku.

Members

The members of the Incinerator Affair Committee in the Albanian Parliament were:

The Incinerator Concessions: Allegations of Corruption

In 2018, MP Jorida Tabaku took a bold step by holding an interpellation with the then Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Damian Gjiknuri. During this critical session, she raised serious concerns about the allocation of the incinerator concessions. Tabaku vehemently claimed that these concessions were granted to two seemingly unknown businessmen, Klodian Zoto and Klodian Mertiri, who lacked the financial means to undertake such significant projects. Furthermore, she asserted that these individuals had close connections to the government, which raised suspicions about the transparency and integrity of the allocation process.

Tabaku further alleged that the proper legal procedures were intentionally ignored or circumvented to favor Zoto and Mertiri, indicating a deep-seated and pervasive corruption issue within the government's operations. Her courageous stance against corruption and her willingness to challenge the status quo made her a formidable force in the battle for transparency and accountability.

Media Investigation and Revelations

Following Tabaku's interpellation, media outlets, particularly the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), delved deeper into the connections between Klodian Mertiri and prominent government figures. The investigation exposed a long-standing and close friendship between Mertiri and former Minister of Finance and Economy, Arben Ahmetaj. These findings added fuel to the already burning fire of public outrage, raising questions about the extent of corruption within the highest levels of government.

The media's role in uncovering these connections shed light on the potential collusion between powerful officials and private interests, further intensifying the public's demand for accountability.

The Inquiry Commission

In October 2021, MP Jorida Tabaku spearheaded an initiative to establish an Inquiry Commission within the Albanian Parliament to investigate the entire process surrounding the Incinerator Affair. Despite facing resistance and opposition from the ruling party, Tabaku's unwavering commitment and determination prevailed, leading to the commission's formation.

Throughout its tenure, the Inquiry Commission heard more than 50 testimonials and listened to at least 60 hours of testimonies, unearthing crucial evidence that pointed to irregularities and potential corruption in the incinerator concessions. The commission's work, led by Tabaku, became a crucial milestone in the fight for transparency and justice.

Site Visit

The Inquiry Committee, tasked with investigating the Incinerator Affair in Albania, commenced its work in November 2021. The committee began by deliberating on its program and subsequently issued requests to public institutions, banks, and police offices, in accordance with the law governing its proceedings. The requests sparked intense debates among the committee members.

In January 2022, the Committee decided to conduct site visits to the incinerators, responding to a request from the ruling Socialist Party of Albania. The first site on the agenda was the Fier Incinerator. However, upon arrival, the committee was met with a startling discovery - there was no functioning incinerator in Fier, but rather an empty building. MP Dhurata Cupi, leading the delegation from the Democratic Party (DP), presented evidence to the media, revealing that the claimed incinerator site was, in reality, a landfill that had been allocated a substantial payment of over 25 million euros. The media's footage exposed an empty building instead of the expected operational incinerator.

The following day, the Committee visited the Incinerator of Elbasan, where discussions centered around the incinerator's purported production of electric energy. However, the investigation revealed a lack of clear evidence supporting the claim that the Elbasan Incinerator was producing and selling energy in the market, as previously asserted.

The most anticipated visit was to the Incinerator of Tirana, considering its significant importance and high cost. The delegation, consisting of all the MPs and chaired by MP Jorida Tabaku, confronted a startling reality as they found no operational incinerator at the site. Despite a substantial budget engagement of over 330 million euros, the designated building turned out to be nothing more than a landfill. The head of the Committee, MP Jorida Tabaku, engaged in extensive questioning with the main engineer on-site, who later emerged as one of the key testimonies in the arrest of former Socialist Party MP Alqi Bllako.

The Committee's site visits and investigations uncovered alarming irregularities, raising significant concerns about the transparency and integrity of the incinerator concession process. The revelations from these visits further fueled public skepticism and intensified demands for accountability and justice.

As the Inquiry Committee's investigation continues, the evidence and findings presented during the site visits and deliberations will be thoroughly examined. The Committee's work has become a focal point of the Incinerator Affair, capturing the nation's attention and underscoring the importance of addressing corruption allegations and ensuring a fair and impartial resolution to the case. The quest for truth and justice remains ongoing, and the results of the investigation will play a critical role in shaping Albania's pursuit of transparency, accountability, and democratic principles.

Testimonies and Implications

During the extensive proceedings of the Inquiry Commission, crucial testimonies from various witnesses, including mayors and former ministers, shed light on the alleged irregularities and misconduct surrounding the Incinerator Affair. These testimonies provided valuable insights into the complex web of corruption and abuse of power that unfolded during the concession process for the incinerators.

One of the notable figures implicated in the affair was former Environment Minister Lefter Koka. The Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) took action based on the evidence presented during the commission's investigation, leading to Koka's arrest. This raised significant questions about his role and potential involvement in the corruption scandal.

Another key individual under scrutiny was former Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Damian Gjiknuri. His involvement in the affair came under close examination during the commission's proceedings. Testimonies and evidence suggested potential irregularities in the allocation process and raised doubts about the transparency of decisions made during his tenure.

Arben Ahmetaj, the former Minister of Finance and Economy and Deputy PM at that time, also found himself implicated in the affair. Witness testimonies and evidence indicated his close association with Klodian Mertiri, one of the owners of the incinerators. Ahmetaj's involvement and the long-standing friendship between him and Mertiri raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and misuse of power. Ahmetaj now is a fugitive while an international warrant is issued from the court.

Additionally, the General Secretary of the Prime Minister's office, Engjell Agaci, faced questioning during the commission's proceedings. His role in the VKM (Council of Ministers) decision-making process regarding the Elbasan Incinerator was scrutinized. Despite his background in penal law, Agaci failed to provide conclusive evidence supporting the legality of the VKM decisions, casting further doubt on the transparency and adherence to legal procedures.

Emiriana Sako, the mayor of the Durres Municipality, was called to testify before the Inquiry Committee about her connection to the Incinerator of Tirana. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Durres faced a garbage problem, seemingly self-inflicted to create the need for the municipality to sign a contract with the Tirana incinerator. Sako was responsible for signing this contract, which allocated a significant amount of public money to the owners of the Tirana incinerator. However, she refused to answer important questions during the committee's questioning, and ultimately, she left the commission, displaying a lack of cooperation and respect for the law and the investigation.

Emiriana Sako's testimony and subsequent actions raised concerns about the transparency of the concession process and heightened suspicions of potential corruption and misuse of power. The Committee's efforts to uncover the truth behind the Incinerator Affair were hindered by Sako's non-cooperation, leaving the public demanding transparency, accountability, and a just resolution to the case as the investigation continues.

Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj also faced scrutiny during the commission's proceedings. His signature on a municipal decree that allocated significant funds from the municipality budget for the Incinerator of Tirana raised concerns about potential violations of the law. Moreover, allegations surfaced about his alleged involvement in waste management strategies to secure a contract with the Tirana Incinerator.

In conclusion, the testimonies presented during the Inquiry Commission provided valuable insights into the alleged corruption and abuse of power surrounding the Incinerator Affair. The involvement of former ministers, high-ranking officials, and mayors has raised serious questions about the transparency and integrity of the decision-making process. As the investigation continues, it remains critical for the public to stay informed and for the legal system to ensure a fair and impartial assessment of the evidence to bring those responsible to justice.

Testimony of Prime Minister Edi Rama

The testimony of Prime Minister Edi Rama marked a pivotal moment during the Inquiry Commission's proceedings. On the last day of the Commission, PM Rama faced rigorous questioning from opposition MPs, including MP Jorida Tabaku, for an extensive period of more than 10 hours. During this intense session, the Prime Minister engaged in a lengthy and impassioned exchange with MP Tabaku, which lasted for more than 5 hours.

PM Rama began his testimony by reiterating the significance of the incinerator projects, emphasizing their critical role in addressing Albania's waste management challenges. He asserted that these incinerators were a vital step towards ensuring a cleaner and waste-free environment for the nation, highlighting their importance in aligning Albania with modern waste disposal practices.

In response, MP Jorida Tabaku firmly held her ground, presenting compelling arguments against the incinerator projects. She contended that the incinerators' establishment violated the standards set by the Council of the European Union and raised concerns about their potential involvement in corruptive procedures that disregarded the rule of law.

A central point of contention between PM Rama and MP Tabaku was the alleged total amount of money to be paid for the incinerator projects. Tabaku asserted that a staggering sum of 430 million euros was at stake, fueling public skepticism and intensifying demands for accountability and transparency.

This exchange between the Prime Minister and MP Tabaku underscored the significance of the Incinerator Affair and its potential implications for the government. It exemplified the divergent perspectives and passionate discourse surrounding the corruption allegations.

The testimonies and exchanges during this critical session raised public awareness and interest in the proceedings. As the investigation remains ongoing, the testimony of Prime Minister Edi Rama holds substantial importance, reflecting the government's stance on the incinerator projects and the nation's commitment to addressing waste management challenges.

It is crucial to emphasize that the testimony of Prime Minister Edi Rama and all individuals involved should be considered as part of the broader investigation led by SPAK. The evidence and testimonies presented during the Inquiry Commission's hearings will be thoroughly assessed to determine the course of justice and ensure transparency and accountability in Albania's political landscape. As the investigation continues, the public remains vigilant, hopeful for a just resolution to the Incinerator Affair and a commitment to uphold democratic principles and fight corruption in the country.

Two reports from the Commission

The Inquiry Committee conducted a thorough investigation into the Incinerator Affair, culminating in the issuance of two reports with contrasting conclusions. The report presented by the majority, representing the ruling Socialist Party, downplayed the significance of the alleged irregularities, stating that only minor problems with the incinerator contracts needed addressing, without finding any evidence of corruption.

On the other hand, the opposition report from the Democratic Party, a comprehensive and extensive document spanning more than 150 pages, exposed a highly critical perspective. The opposition report detailed compelling evidence that the three companies associated with the incinerators were interconnected and had exploited approximately 80% of the budgeted funds. They had reportedly engaged in subcontracting the same companies and remunerated them for work that was never carried out, effectively creating a Ponzi Scheme. The opposition report suggested that these companies had also transferred funds outside of Albania, with one of the firms being offshore and reportedly involved in questionable business dealings in other countries, including Zimbabwe.

Financial analysis revealed the alarming extent of the incinerators' fraudulent scheme, diverting public funds among various entities and individuals. A company analysis exposed an inner circle of more than ten individuals closely linked to the companies obtaining subcontractor contracts from the incinerators or overseeing these contracts. During extensive and dramatic hearings, which lasted over 60 hours, the Inquiry Committee heard testimonies from numerous witnesses, including administrators of the three incinerator companies. The testimonies indicated that high-ranking government officials and institution heads were aware of the questionable nature of these contracts. The Committee's investigation revealed that the initial contract was crafted unconstitutionally and unlawfully, implicating not only Minister Lefter Koka but also three other ministers and Mr. Ëngjëll Agaçi, the General Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office (Chief of Staff).

Consequently, the Democratic Party (DP) filed seven individual criminal lawsuits against key figures involved in establishing these contracts. Among those accused is Mr. Ëngjëll Agaçi, charged with conducting and enabling unlawful procedures, particularly in the first contract. Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, also faced accusations of abusing his power against the law, particularly in his involvement in a financial commitment of over 90 million euros for the Tirana Incinerator. He was further charged with misleading the Council and lying under oath regarding obtaining approval for the Municipality Council. Additionally, Veliaj was accused of creating a forced monopoly in favor of the Tirana Incinerator company.

Mayor Emiriana Sako of Durres Municipality was referred to SPAK (Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime) in connection with a 10 million euro public tender, which was allegedly "gifted" to the Integrated Energy BV, the company holding the Tirana incinerator contract. During her appearance before the Inquiry Committee, Sako refused to explain her decision-making process, and she left the Commission abruptly, raising questions about the legitimacy of the contract signing.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj, who held a significant role during the incinerator contract signings, was a key figure during the committee hearings. Ahmetaj faced accusations of disregarding the law and procedures while accepting contracts that posed risks to the budget and public money. Leaked information and media reports indicated that Ahmetaj had frequent trips with the owners of the incinerator, despite initially denying any acquaintance with them.

Damian Gjiknuri, the current General Secretary of the Socialist Party and former Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, was accused of manipulating the procedure for the Elbasan Incinerator and granting the same individuals a concession to produce electricity from this incinerator for 20 years without competition. Gjiknuri's close association with the incinerator owners and his alleged involvement in official trips with them came to light in media reports.

The seventh lawsuit filed by the DP pertained to Mr. Alqi Bllako, who was recently arrested on two new charges that emerged from the Inquiry Committee's findings. One charge was related to the land where the incinerator was constructed, which was subject to irregular changes without justifiable reasons. The second accusation suggested corrupt procedures in this concession.

The Democratic Party's comprehensive 90-page lawsuit presented from MP Jorida Tabaku, were compelling arguments that the three incinerator contracts constituted a major case of corruption, money laundering, and Ponzi Scheme, orchestrated by a Structured Criminal Group. The DP called for SPAK to consolidate all cases into one comprehensive investigation.

The opposition report, spanning 120 pages, was met with rejection from the majority led by Prime Minister Edi Rama. The Committee's findings sparked heated debates between MPs from the Socialist Party, the Socialist Movement for Integration Party (LSI), and Democratic Party representatives associated with Sali Berisha's movement. The revelation of more than 50 public officials, administrators of incinerator companies, and individuals involved in this corruption case has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the Albanian government and the need for accountability and transparency in public affairs. The ongoing probe continues to captivate the nation, with the pursuit of justice and the fight against corruption at the forefront of the public's demand for a more accountable and just society.

Ongoing Probe and Public Sentiment

The Incinerator Affair continues to be an ongoing investigation by SPAK, signaling the gravity and complexity of the case. As public awareness of the corruption allegations surrounding the affair grows, more than 80% of Albanians, as per a poll conducted by Euronews Albania, believe that corruption is deeply entrenched within the matter.

The relentless pursuit of justice by MP Jorida Tabaku and her unyielding commitment to holding those responsible accountable have earned her the admiration and respect of many Albanians. Her role as a vocal advocate for transparency and integrity in public office has positioned her as a leading figure in the fight against corruption in Albania.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Quest for Justice

The Incinerator Affair represents an unprecedented and far-reaching corruption investigation that has gripped the nation. As the probe continues to unfold, the potential implications for the government and the political landscape are immense. The relentless efforts of MP Jorida Tabaku to expose corruption and her unwavering determination to demand accountability have elevated her to a prominent position in the nation's fight against corruption.

The public's demand for justice and transparency in the Incinerator Affair signifies a growing awareness of the importance of upholding democratic values and eradicating corruption from the political system. As the investigation unfolds and revelations come to light, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the pursuit of truth and the hope for a more just and accountable governance for Albania's future.