SPAK investigates Belind Këlliçi for diploma forgery and false declarations
The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) is investigating Belind Këlliçi, a leading opposition figure, over allegations of high school diploma forgery and false declarations. The accusations, initially dismissed by Këlliçi during his Tirana mayoral campaign, have now become a legal issue. SPAK has seized documentation from Harry Fultz High School and summoned key witnesses, including the school principal.
Why is this important: Këlliçi has been one of the opposition’s most vocal critics, frequently denouncing corruption and scandals involving Socialist Party officials. With allegations of forgery and false declarations gaining legal traction, Këlliçi’s political reputation is likely to suffer ahead of any future electoral ambitions.
Context: SPAK’s inquiry stems from a complaint by a lawyer known for his hostility to the Democratic Party, which alleges that Këlliçi never completed his high school education. A 2023 investigation by Shqiptarja.com revealed that Këlliçi allegedly falsified his diploma to gain admission to Coppin University and later misled both U.S. and Albanian institutions.
The investigation centers on two main accusations:
- Diploma Forgery: Këlliçi is accused of claiming a high school diploma he never earned.
- False Declarations: He allegedly provided inaccurate information on self-disclosure forms when running for office.
SPAK has already interrogated Këlliçi regarding both the diploma issue and discrepancies in his asset declarations, particularly regarding property linked to his partner. In response, Këlliçi reportedly distanced himself from her to reduce legal liability.
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