SPAK names Deputy PM Balluku as official suspect over Llogara Tunnel tender
Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku was formally declared a suspect by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SPAK) on Thursday in connection with alleged irregularities in the Llogara Tunnel procurement process.
Why is this important: This is the highest-profile case yet involving a senior member of the current government. Balluku now faces criminal charges for violating public tender laws — an accusation that strikes at the heart of Albania’s infrastructure spending and procurement transparency. The Llogara Tunnel, part of a flagship southern highway project, has long faced scrutiny over delays and costs.
Context: In a formal statement, SPAK announced that Balluku is under investigation for “Violation of the equality of participants in public tenders or auctions” under Articles 258/2 and 25 of the Penal Code — a charge that includes acting in cooperation with others.
The case involves one of the largest tenders in recent years: the construction of the Llogara Tunnel, part of the Orikum-Himarë section on the SH8 highway linking Vlorë to Sarandë.
The original procurement, held on December 11, 2020, was later annulled and relaunched on June 22, 2021, with a limit fund of over 18.9 billion lekë (excluding VAT).
SPAK said that Balluku was first informed of her status as a defendant on October 21 and formally summoned again for October 31 at 15:00, after initially requesting a postponement.
Reactions:
After her hearing, Balluku addressed the media, stating:
“In respect for the institutions of justice, I accepted SPAK’s request. I believe in the principles of justice.”
The development marks a sharp escalation in SPAK’s ongoing investigations into high-value infrastructure contracts. Balluku’s public remarks were brief, but her designation as a suspect is likely to fuel political tensions, particularly within the ruling Socialist Party, which has faced mounting pressure over corruption probes.
As of now, SPAK has not announced further suspects in the case, though the official notice notes that the accusations involve “collaboration,” hinting at possible additional indictments.
What else: The Llogara Tunnel is seen as a key piece of Albania’s coastal transport corridor and has been promoted as a priority project by the government. The case could delay its progress or trigger broader audits of similar contracts.
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