SPAK launches investigation into PD’s $6 million lobbying contract in the U.S.

Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) has officially opened an investigation into the Democratic Party’s (DP) multi-million-dollar lobbying agreement in the United States—marking a new legal chapter in a case that has raised eyebrows in Tirana.

Why is this important: At the peak of Albania’s May 11 local election campaign, media reports surfaced revealing a $6 million, two-year lobbying contract signed on behalf of the Democratic Party. The aim: to influence U.S. policymakers and, allegedly, reverse sanctions imposed by the U.S. State Department on DP leader Sali Berisha and his family. Though DP has not confirmed this as the motive, the case quickly drew scrutiny due to its scope, political implications, and lack of financial transparency.

Context: SPAK has not yet disclosed what triggered the formal move from preliminary checks to full investigation. However, prosecutors have requested a copy of the lobbying contract from the Democratic Party itself. The request was confirmed Friday by DP Secretary General Flamur Noka, who had been summoned separately over alleged electoral crimes from the May 11 race.

The lobbying contract was signed by Noka in Albania, and by U.S. citizen of Albanian origin Nuredin Seci in the U.S., reportedly acting as guarantor.

DP, for its part, claims it has no contractual or financial liability under the agreement, stating:

“The Democratic Party has given consent for this service in full accordance with the laws of both countries, but carries no financial obligation. The cost is entirely covered by Albanian patriots and Democrats who have lived and worked in the U.S. for decades, or who left Albania over the past 10 years because of Edi Rama’s regime.”

Details of the contract: According to the agreement, the U.S. lobbying firm would work to build connections with key government and congressional figures to help shape policy. The deal also included goals like supporting anti-corruption efforts, promoting democracy, and advancing Albania–U.S. relations in line with PD’s political agenda.

Three payments of $250,000 each have reportedly been made to date—yet Berisha’s designation as non grata by the U.S. remains unchanged.

In addition, another contract tied to DP has remained in the shadows: one between Berisha and Republican political strategist Chris LaCivita, a former Trump campaign leader brought to Albania in hopes of replicating Trump’s political comeback. DP has not disclosed how much was paid to LaCivita, who was tasked with managing Berisha’s political revival ahead of the May 11 elections.

What’s next: SPAK’s investigation is expected to focus on the legality of the contract, the source of funding, and whether any party—inside or outside DP—violated campaign finance or anti-corruption laws. As scrutiny intensifies, the case could expose vulnerabilities not just in political financing, but in Albania’s wider relationship with foreign influence and electoral integrity.