The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime has convicted former socialist mayor of Lushnja, Fatos Tushe, for failing to disclose his assets. He has been sentenced to 2 years of probation. The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) launched the investigation into his assets after he was initially charged with abuse of office and violation of equality in tenders.

Why is it significant: Tushe is one of 17 socialist mayors or former mayors formally charged or under investigation by SPAK. Over the past 5 years, SPAK has convicted or investigated several high-level Socialist Party officials and politicians, some close allies of the Prime Minister, for corruption or abuse of office. Notably, about a quarter of socialist mayors, several former ministers, a deputy prime minister and members of parliament have faced charges, investigations or arrest, which counters the opposition’s claims that SPAK is controlled by the Prime Minister.

Key figures targeted by SPAK:

• Saimir Tahiri, former Minister of Interior, was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in February 2022 for abuse of office. He has served more than half of his sentence and is currently under house arrest.
• Arben Ahmetaj, former Deputy Prime Minister, is currently on the run after SPAK sought his arrest for charges of asset non-disclosure, passive corruption, and money laundering.
• Ilir Beqaj, former Minister of Health, was investigated by SPAK for two major healthcare concessions (sterilization and check-up services). Although not convicted for these, he was found to have misused EU funds while leading the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination and is awaiting trial.

Other Socialist mayors convicted or under investigation:

1. Vangjush Dako, former Mayor of Durrës, is awaiting sentencing for abuse of office in two cases.
2. Safet Gjici, former Mayor of Kukës, was sentenced to 3 years in prison after being involved in a scandal where he exchanged sexual favors for a tender offer.
3. Lefter Alla, former Mayor of Bulqiza, was convicted for abuse of office, tender violations, and forgery.
4. Fran Tuci, former Mayor of Fushë-Arrëz, was convicted of abuse of office.
5. Kreshnik Hajdari, Mayor of Kuçova, was sentenced to 9 months for concealing a 1999 conviction in Greece.
6. Edison Memolla, Mayor of Rrogozhina, is under indictment for electoral corruption.
7. Rexhë Byberi, Mayor of Tropoja, is under house arrest for abuse of office.

Opposition Involvement: The leader of the opposition, Sali Berisha has also been charged with passive corruption and is currently under house arrest. Two weeks ago, Ervin Saljani, Deputy Leader of the Democratic Party, was sentenced to one year in prison for filing a false report.