Erion Veliaj denounces SPAK’s case from prison, claims evidence is manipulated

From his detention in Durrës, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has issued a new statement, directly challenging the accusations against him and accusing SPAK of manipulating evidence to justify his arrest. In his latest remarks, Veliaj focused on the claim that he owns a villa in Qerret, arguing that the prosecution’s reasoning is flawed and politically motivated.

Why is this important: Veliaj’s case has been mired in political and legal controversy, with accusations that SPAK is conducting politically driven investigations. His latest statement adds fuel to these concerns, as he claims that evidence used against him—specifically phone signal data—is being misrepresented to fabricate a case.

Context: A key element in SPAK’s case is the claim that Veliaj secretly owns a villa in Qerret. To supported this claim SPAK has presented evidence that his phone registered signals in the area 87 times between April and May 2023. Veliaj dismissed the accusation, stating that his presence in the region was due to his responsibilities as the Socialist Party’s political coordinator for the Tirana district that includes Kavaja where Qerret is located.

“Throughout 2023, I led the Socialist Party’s election campaign in Rrogozhinë and Kavajë. In 2024, I was again in these areas, managing the party’s new membership drive. The fact that my phone registered signals in Kavajë doesn’t mean I own a villa.”

He further ridiculed the logic behind SPAK’s reasoning, pointing out that his phone also connected to signals in locations unrelated to the case:

“My phone also registered at the Catholic Church on Kavaja Street when I was inspecting construction work there with Father Zef. But the fact that the church happens to be across the street from the building where my prosecutor lives, does not mean that I own his apartment too, does it?”

To counter the claims of secret villa ownership, Veliaj published photos showing him actively engaged in political activities in Kavajë and Rrogozhinë during the months in question.

“I challenge SPAK to present real evidence linking me to this property. All they have is phone signal data, which proves nothing other than the fact that I was working in the area.”

Allegations of misconduct: Veliaj directed his sharpest criticism at SPAK prosecutor Ols Dado, whom he accused of acting with bias and having a conflict of interest due to his alleged involvement in the construction business.

“This entire process is led by a prosecutor who spends his days investigating and his nights building properties. He didn’t even ask me about these accusations when he had the chance—now I am learning about them from prison.”

Veliaj also suggested that SPAK’s accusations were designed to be inflammatory and to provoke public outrage. He argued that the case is built on misleading claims rather than concrete evidence, reinforcing accusations that SPAK is engaging in politically motivated legal action.

Next steps: Veliaj was arrested on February 10, 2025, in his office at Tirana City Hall, facing corruption and money laundering charges. His wife, Ajola Xoxa, was also investigated and initially placed under house arrest, though her restrictions have since been downgraded.

Veliaj remains in pretrial detention in Durrës as his legal team prepares to challenge the accusations against him. His case has become a key point of political tension, with the Socialist Party arguing that SPAK’s handling of the investigation raises serious concerns about the fairness of Albania’s justice system.