After two marathon hearings, Judge Engert Pëllumbi of the Special Court of Appeals (GJKKO) has upheld the First Instance Court’s decision to keep Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj in custody. The ruling confirms the continuation of Veliaj’s detention while investigations proceed into serious criminal allegations.
The court ordered that Veliaj remain under “arrest in prison” due to strong suspicions of two serious charges: “Passive corruption of elected officials” and “Money laundering of criminal proceeds.”
Veliaj had requested a lighter security measure, offering a financial guarantee in an attempt to avoid pre-trial detention. However, Judge Pëllumbi rejected this request, siding with the original decision by Judge Erjon Bani. The court emphasized the severity of the charges and the potential risk of interference with the investigation.
Co-Defendants and Separate Rulings
In the same hearing, the judge issued a separate ruling in the case of businessman Elman Abule, who is accused by SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure) of “Active corruption of elected officials” and “Money laundering.” While Abule also proposed a financial guarantee in exchange for a lighter security measure, the court opted to modify his detention status from prison to house arrest.
Meanwhile, the court upheld the previous security measures for three other businessmen involved in the investigation—Gentian Sula, Meriman Palushi, and Shkëlqim Fusha. All three remain under judicial supervision and are required to report regularly to the authorities, as they face charges of “Passive corruption of public officials.”
Details of the Case Against Veliaj
Mayor Erion Veliaj has been held in custody since February 10 and is under investigation for passive corruption and money laundering, allegedly carried out in cooperation with his wife, Ajola Xoxa. Xoxa is currently under the measure of “obligation to appear” and is also being investigated for failure to declare assets.
During the court session two days prior, prosecutors Altin Dumani and Ols Dado submitted new evidence, including wiretaps and environmental recordings. These intercepted communications reportedly reveal attempts by Veliaj to intimidate justice officials through targeted media attacks, as a way to obstruct the legal process and influence the outcome of his criminal case.
The ruling marks a significant development in one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Albania in recent years, with both political and judicial institutions under increased scrutiny from the public and the international community.
