SPAK clears PM’s brother, Olsi Rama of Xibraka case allegations

The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has concluded its investigation into allegations linking Olsi Rama, the brother of Prime Minister Edi Rama, to the Xibraka cocaine laboratory case. In response to a query by VizionPlus television SPAK stated that the investigation found no evidence implicating Rama in the criminal activities uncovered in 2015.

Why is this important: The information discredits one of the opposition’s most significant and vocal accusations, led by Democratic Party parliamentary leader Gazment Bardhi. For years, Bardhi and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha have publicly accused Olsi Rama in involvement in the Xibraka case although they never explained what evidence there was for these claims and never formally filed an accusation with SPAK. However, DP tried hard to exploit these allegations for political ends portraying the alleged involvement of the Prime Minister’s brother with a cocaine trafficking gang as symbolic of broader government corruption and cooperation with the underworld.  In this the opposition was helped by the fact that for years SPAK remained silent on the issue, despite the Prime Minister repeatedly urging it to clarify the matter, emphasizing the need for truth. The announcement follows another recent denial of a high-profile accusation from Berisha, this time against Pandeli Majko.

Context: The Xibraka case has been a cornerstone of opposition rhetoric, used to accuse the Rama administration of deep-seated corruption. Olsi Rama appeared twice before SPAK during the investigation. The Prime Minister had publicly challenged Bardhi to file charges with SPAK, stating that either his brother should face justice or Bardhi should be held accountable for false accusations. Olsi Rama has since filed two defamation lawsuits against Bardhi, accusing him of false reporting.

Investigation outcome: The reopened investigation, prompted by Bardhi’s formal request, involved collaboration with Kosovo’s authorities. In its reaction SPAK’s stated:

“No evidence or facts exist to link Olsi Rama to the criminal activity for which others have been convicted.”

SPAK further emphasized that no new suspects were identified, leading to the suspension of the investigation. The case has been handed over to the State Police for continued efforts to identify other potential perpetrators.

Next steps: The suspension of the investigation does not end the Xibraka case, as SPAK has instructed police to continue searching for unidentified perpetrators. Meanwhile, the findings put further pressure on Gazment Bardhi and the Democratic Party to address the credibility of their accusations.