Only 3 investigations initiated on 42 prosecutors and judges reported for wealth declaration issues

The High Inspectorate of Declaration and Audit of Assets (ILDKPI) has criminally reported 42 prosecutors and judges for discrepancies in their income declarations following their dismissal from the vetting process. However, the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office has only initiated criminal investigations for three of these cases.

Why is this important: The judicial reform in Albania mandated a vetting process for individuals in the prosecution and judicial bodies, evaluating them on wealth, integrity, and professionalism. This process, started on February 8, is aimed to be completed by the end of 2024. It is noteworthy that the majority of the judicial figures subjected to this process have been disqualified mainly due to unverifiable wealth, while some resigned before the verification began, likely knowing they would not pass the Independent Qualification Commission’s scrutiny.

Context: Despite most magistrates who failed the vetting process being dismissed, there seems to be no further criminal repercussions. From 2019 to now, the High Inspectorate of Declaration and Control of Assets (ILDKPKI) has reported 42 dismissed prosecutors and judges to the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office. Yet, only three criminal procedures concerning wealth declaration issues have been initiated. The expiration of the statute of limitations for many of these false or undeclared wealth reports over the years has led to the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office deciding not to pursue several of these cases. As the vetting process approaches its end, only five individuals are awaiting their final evaluation by the Commission of Qualification on their assets, integrity, and professionalism by December. Meanwhile, for judges of the High Court and the Constitutional Court, the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) has begun an investigation into ten judges, with charges concerning false wealth declaration currently filed in only three instances.