Tax Authorities investigating suspicious financial activities of company linked to DP MP’s family
The Albanian tax authorities have officially launched a detailed investigation into “Deco 2000,” a company owned by the sister of Democratic Party MP Albana Vokshi. The move follows allegations of fiscal evasion and questionable financial activities tied to the company, which is also under scrutiny for suspected money laundering and document forgery.
According to Shqiptarja.com, the investigation aims to uncover potential irregularities in the company’s financial practices, including an extraordinary dividend distribution of 627 million lekë (€627,000) within a single year. The case has drawn national attention, especially given its connection to Albana Vokshi, a high-profile, but controversial opposition figure known for her fierce criticism of government corruption.
Why is this important: The investigation adds to previous allegations against Democratic Party MP Albana Vokshi, raising concerns about her credibility and integrity in light of her public role as a critic of corruption.
Context: The case surrounding Deco 2000 began after media reports, revealed significant discrepancies in the company’s operations. Established in 2009, Deco 2000 has operated with minimal visible activity yet managed to distribute unusually large dividends in 2024. The company is primarily owned by the sister of DP MP Albana Vokshi and her daughter who also serves as its sole employee and administrator. She resigned from these positions when the case attracted media coverage.
Deco 2000’s business activities officially include real estate leasing and operating an aesthetic center. However, investigations have raised questions about how the company achieved such high profits with such extremely limited declared resources, staff, and operations.
Adding to the controversy is Albana Vokshi’s political position. As an MP, she has consistently denounced corruption in the ruling government, positioning herself as a staunch advocate for accountability. However, this is not the first time that she is faced with allegations against her or her family that undermine her political credibility.
What are authorities investigating: The tax authorities are focusing on several key discrepancies and allegations surrounding Deco 2000. These include:
· Dividend distribution: How was the company able to distribute 62.7 million lekë in dividends in 2024 when it had declared minimal revenue in prior years?
· Sudden and unexplained revenue surge: Investigators are examining how Deco 2000’s annual turnover reportedly jumped from under 8 million lekë (€80,000) in 2023 to an estimated 180 million lekë (€ 1.8 million) in 2024—a 24-fold increase.
· Employment discrepancy: The company declared only one employee yet reported massive profits. This raises questions about the feasibility of its operations and whether workers were employed off-the-books.
· Unfiled financial statements: Since its founding in 2009, Deco 2000 has not submitted full financial statements to the National Business Center (QKB), a legal requirement.
· False address in official documents: The address listed in the company’s dividend distribution records reportedly belongs to an unrelated business, adding to suspicions of misrepresentation.
· Timing of administrator resignation: The resignation of the administrator’s on the same day the allegations surfaced has fueled speculation about the connection between her tenure and the dividend payouts.
· Tax classification: Authorities are investigating why Deco 2000 submitted simplified profit tax declarations in previous years, consistent with small businesses, despite declaring substantial profits in 2024.
The investigation also aims to determine whether the company’s operations, particularly its aesthetic center, were used as a front for money laundering. They are reviewing bank transactions, account balances, and other financial records tied to Deco 2000, its owners, and their close family members.
Background and implications: This is not the first time allegations of financial misconduct have surrounded Albana Vokshi or her family. In the past, she was accused of involvement in corruption linked to major oil concessions during her advisory role to former Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Additionally, her aunt was convicted in 2013 for participating in an oil smuggling ring.
The current investigation into Deco 2000 could have serious implications for Vokshi’s political career. Known for her aggressive rhetoric against corruption, the allegations undermine her credibility and put her family’s financial dealings under the spotlight.
What’s next: For now, the case remains under active investigation, with authorities waiting on data from second-tier banks to further clarify financial transactions and account balances tied to Deco 2000.
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