SPAK opens investigation into alleged energy trading scandal
The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has launched a formal investigation into allegations of illegal energy trading by Albania’s state-owned energy operator, OSHEE. The probe follows a criminal complaint filed two months ago by the Democratic Party (DP), spearheaded by its parliamentary group leader Gazment Bardhi. The DP accuses OSHEE, under the oversight of Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Deputy Prime Minister, Belinda Balluku, of orchestrating a corrupt energy trading scheme that purportedly cost the state €180 million.
Why is this important: According to DP, the alleged scheme involved falsified data submitted to the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE) and energy trading decisions that defied market logic, including the purchase of energy during surplus production periods. While the investigation for the moment focuses only on the energy distribution operator, SPAK’s response will be closely watched as a test of its capacity to impartially address claims of wrongdoing at the highest political levels. The case is also politically charged since Bardhi and Balluku are facing off as political coordinators in the second most important electoral district in Albania.
DP’s allegations: The Democratic Party claims that OSHEE, with Balluku’s knowledge, engaged in unlawful energy trading practices. According to Bardhi’s filing, OSHEE allegedly bought electricity at inflated prices and sold it at lower rates to private intermediaries outside the energy exchange. The scheme, PD asserts, was facilitated by falsified data submitted to regulatory authorities to cover up the transactions. PD further claims that KESH, the Albanian Electric Energy Corporation, purchased electricity during periods of surplus production, allegedly to support the illegal trading scheme.
SPAK’s statement: SPAK confirmed that the criminal complaint filed by Bardhi has been registered as a preliminary investigation for “abuse of office.” The prosecution emphasized that the case is ongoing, and further developments will depend on the evidence gathered.