Albanian Prosecutor's Office Takes Action Against Corruption in Judicial Police

 The Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) in Albania has initiated legal measures against several officials in the judicial police of Dibër for alleged corrupt practices. The Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has ordered the arrest of Sh.C., a judicial police officer at the Dibër Police Station, who is accused of accepting a €3,000 bribe to favor a defendant in a criminal case.

 The entrance to the SPAK offices, where a policeman can be seen at the door

Additionally, A.P., another judicial police officer, has been placed under court-ordered surveillance, accused of inaction that obstructed the investigation of corrupt activities. Meanwhile, an arrest warrant remains unexecuted for F.K., suspected of actively offering the bribe.

Key Findings of the Investigation:

1. Bribery Allegation Against Sh.C.
   Sh.C. is accused of demanding and accepting €3,000 from F.K. to influence the procedural outcome for A.Sh., a defendant in a criminal case (case no. 9/2020 of the Dibër Prosecution Office).

2. Negligence by A.P.
   A.P., tasked with investigating A.Sh., allegedly failed to take timely legal action despite being aware of corrupt communications. His delayed response to the case—acting only after nearly two years when evidence surfaced in court—has been deemed a dereliction of duty.

3. Active Corruption by F.K.
   F.K. is suspected of actively engaging in bribery to manipulate the judicial process. His court-ordered supervision remains unexecuted.

Legal Measures Ordered:

• Arrest of Sh.C.: Detention under suspicion of “Passive Corruption of Judges, Prosecutors, and Justice Officials” (Article 319/ç of the Penal Code).
• Surveillance for A.P.: Supervision for alleged “Abuse of Office” (Article 248 of the Penal Code).
• Pending Action for F.K.: Supervision for “Active Corruption of Judges, Prosecutors, and Justice Officials” (Article 319 of the Penal Code).

The case underscores SPAK's ongoing commitment to tackling corruption within Albania’s justice system, though it also highlights the persistent challenges of enforcing accountability and integrity. Investigations continue to fully clarify the circumstances and roles of those involved.