Chief Prosecutor of Vlora arrested in anti-corruption operation
Aurel Zarka, the Chief Prosecutor of Vlorë, has been arrested on an order from the Special Structure against Corruption and organized Crime (SPAK).
Why is this important
The arrest of the high level prosecutor is significant as it reflects the continuing cleanup of corrupt officials from Albania’s judicial system.
What happened
Aurel Zarka, Eriona Dautaj who was a candidate for prosecutor who previously served as a judicial police officer, and attorneys Radovan Çela and Astrit Vladi were all arrested after their names appeared in conversations intercepted by Sky ECC, implicating them of favoring certain parties in an ongoing investigations. SPAK has yet to provide a detailed announcement about Zarka’s involvement in these allegations.
Before the establishment of SPAK individuals within the justice system were considered untouchable. Zarka’s arrest is not the first of its kind by SPAK. In 2021, Xhevair Lita, the prosecutor from Kukës, was arrested for corruption. Later that year, Edmond Kariqi, the chief prosecutor of Kukës, and his driver were arrested for receiving bribes in exchange for favorable decisions. Sali Hasa, the prosecutor of Saranda, was also detained for “passive corruption” involving judges, prosecutors, and other justice officials.
Context
In recent months, agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) have conducted multiple inspections at the Vlorë Prosecutor’s Office, reportedly collecting several case files as evidence. Zarka’s arrest took place early this morning at his residence and was executed by BKH agents. He faces charges of “Illegally Influencing Individuals Exercising Public Functions.”
Aurel Zarka had previously passed the vetting process and was confirmed in his role by the Independent Qualification Commission (KPK) in June 2024. He began his judicial career as a judicial police officer in 2004 at the former Serious Crimes Prosecutor’s Office, was appointed prosecutor in 2012, and has served as the Chief Prosecutor of Vlorë since then.
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