On Friday, agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) entered the residence of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj and, under a court order, seized the mobile phone of his wife, Ajola Xoxa. This action is part of a broader asset investigation initiated by Albania’s Special Prosecutor Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK).
In response to the development, Veliaj took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to declare his and his family’s full cooperation with justice institutions. He expressed disdain, however, for what he described as disinformation campaigns aimed at damaging his reputation and that of his family.
Veliaj’s Statement on X
The mayor affirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating:
“The procedural steps taken by the special prosecutor regarding the ongoing asset investigation into me and my family are not only welcomed but fully supported by me.”
Veliaj criticized opposition figures and certain media outlets, accusing them of waging targeted campaigns against public officials who resist their alleged pressures for personal gain.
“For a long time, opposition figures mired in corruption and so-called media have relentlessly attacked every public official who refuses to succumb to their undue pressures and blackmail,” he said.
Veliaj emphasized that he and his family remain open to justice while denouncing efforts to spread misinformation.
“My family and I, as citizens of this country and in my role as Mayor of Tirana, are always open to any action and decision from justice institutions. However, we also vehemently reject every falsehood aimed at tarnishing our image and spreading disinformation about these institutions themselves.”
The mayor also distanced himself from what he described as “the old political caste” that he claimed placed themselves above the law.
“I am not part of that old political class which for years evaded justice and accountability. Those who owe debts to justice only support it when it suits their interests, but attack it the moment it begins to act against them, breaking the long-standing taboo of impunity.”
Duke marrë shkas nga zhvillimet e ditës së sotme, hapat procedurale të kryera nga prokuroria e posaçme në lidhje me hetimin pasuror që po kryhet ndaj meje dhe familjarëve të mi, jo vetëm janë të mirëpritura, por edhe i mbështes në çdo hap.
— Erion Veliaj #B40Presidency 🇪🇺🇦🇱 (@erionveliaj) December 6, 2024
U bë një kohë e gjatë që hetimin dhe…
Political and Legal Implications
This investigation marks another significant step in Albania’s fight against corruption, a priority for the country’s EU integration process. Veliaj’s response reflects the growing tensions between political factions and the ongoing scrutiny of public officials by SPAK, which has recently intensified its anti-corruption efforts.
While Veliaj has positioned himself as a proponent of justice, the coming weeks will likely shed more light on the investigation’s findings and its broader implications for Albania’s political landscape.