Names revealed: Himarë building collapse, permitted construction without license, AMP prosecutes 4 police officers for abuse of office

Following the demolition by the National Territorial Inspection Agency of a five-story building constructed without a permit in Himarë, and the on-site arrest of its owner by the State Police, the Police Oversight Agency has launched an investigation into the responsibilities of police officers connected to the case.

The investigation so far has brought to light the involvement of the chain of command within the police structures of the Himarë Police Station. Four State Police officers have been prosecuted for the criminal offense of “Abuse of office,” as provided for by Article 248 of the Criminal Code.

Among them are Emiljano Prenga, currently Chief of Volume Crimes at the Divjakë Police Station, who previously held the same position at the Himarë Police Station, and Klodian Petani, a Crime Investigation Specialist at the Vlorë Police Station, who previously held this function in Himarë. Both have been detained.

The criminal proceedings also include Ferit Merkaj, Head of the Traffic Section at the Vlorë Local Police Directorate and former Chief of the Himarë Police Station, as well as Redin Çaushaj, serving as SPZ at the Himarë Police Station. Both were declared wanted.

As procedural actions continued, two of the officers declared wanted surrendered and were detained on their own initiative. At the same time, the other two were not found at their residences and, although notified, did not present themselves to the relevant structures.

Procedures for declaring these latter individuals wanted have been completed.

The Police Oversight Agency announces that investigations continue with the aim of fully clarifying the circumstances of the event and determining the legal responsibilities of the persons involved.