Former director of Albanian Post’s Durres branch and two other employees detained over suspected fund abuse

Elisabeta Mataj, the former director of Albanian Post’s Durres branch, who was dismissed a few days ago, Finance Chief Valbona Hoti Duni and cashier Paola Dana have been detained on the orders of the Durres Prosecutor’s Office as part of an investigation launched into the suspected abuse of the institution’s funds.

The investigation began following a criminal complaint filed by Albanian Post itself, which identified irregularities in the management of payment service funds during internal checks.

The financial damage is estimated at more than 700,000 euros, but there are suspicions that it could reach up to 3 million euros.

In its official statement, Albanian Post stressed that the funds in question are not connected to pensions or pensioners’ payments.

The institution said it had taken administrative measures against the employees and was cooperating with the Prosecutor’s Office to fully clarify the case.

Albanian Post’s statement:

“Albanian Post sh.a. informs the public that, within the framework of its internal control mechanisms and financial monitoring procedures, the General Directorate, through the Economic Directorate, carried out an inspection at the Durres Branch based on discrepancies identified during the reconciliation of funds and financial reports.

The checks carried out identified irregularities and violations in the management of funds related to payment services. We stress that these funds have no connection whatsoever to pension funds or pensioners’ payments.

Immediately after identifying these irregularities, Albanian Post took immediate administrative measures against the responsible employees and referred the case to the Prosecutor’s Office, filing a criminal complaint accompanied by the relevant documentation.

Albanian Post is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities, providing all the information and documentation necessary to fully clarify the circumstances of the case. The assessment of individual responsibilities and the undertaking of further procedural steps fall under the jurisdiction of the competent justice authorities.

This case demonstrates the effective functioning of Albanian Post’s internal control mechanisms, which made it possible for the institution itself to identify the irregularities and immediately refer them to the competent authorities.

Albanian Post remains committed to implementing a zero-tolerance policy toward any violation of the law, abuse of office or misuse of the institution’s funds. Integrity, transparency and the protection of the public interest remain the institution’s non-negotiable priorities.”