Vlora Chief Prosecutor’s arrested because of role in “Toyota Yaris” case
The Chief Prosecutor of Vlora was arrested because of his involvement in the so-called “Toyota Yaris” case. The information was made public by the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime(SPAK).
Key findings
According to reports published in Report TV, Zarka interfered with a section of the “Toyota Yaris” case through Eriona Dautaj, who was a Serious Crimes officer at the time. Dautaj also used encrypted communication apps. These conversations were decrypted and purportedly provide evidence of illegal influence.
Zarka is suspected of intervening to ease the legal position of the Vladi cousins, whose role in the case was central.
Background
On the evening of June 24, 2018, Albanian police seized approximately €3.4 million hidden in two Toyota Yaris vehicles at the Port of Durrës. The vehicles were discovered in a trailer aboard a ferry arriving from Bari, Italy. Alongside the two cars with the cash, the trailer, owned by an Albanian transport company, also contained eight other vehicles. The journey of the vehicles had included stops in Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Albania.
Immediately following the discovery, police arrested Edi Lika, the owner of the transport company, his son Klevis Lika, and the truck driver, Agim Çeku. The next day, Albanian authorities arrested Alban Mollaymeri, the businessman who ordered the vehicles from Belgium, and sought two cousins, Elvis and Alfred Vladi, who were suspected of being the intended recipients of the money. The court later decided that the €3.4 million seized would be forfeited to the state.
A German national claimed the money was his, intended for starting a business in Albania, but this claim was deemed unconvincing by SPAK and the Court against Corruption and Organized Crime.
Recent Developments
Out of four arrest warrants issued, only one has been executed against Chief Prosecutor Zarka. Magistrate Eriona Dautaj, lawyer Radovan Çela, and businessman Astrit Vladi remain at large.
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