Pacolli calls for SPAK investigation: Vlora Terminal was kept occupied by criminal groups for more than 10 months

Media have reported that there was a conflict at Vlora Airport between employees of businessman Behgjet Pacolli’s company and a security company while work at the construction site was ongoing.

Behgjet Pacolli himself reacted to the situation, stating that after long months of illegal obstruction and the occupation of the Vlora Terminal by criminal groups, MABCO and its subcontractors have today managed to return to their workplaces.

According to Pacolli, verification and documentation of the damage allegedly caused by vandalism, theft and destruction during this period is currently underway.

He says that for more than ten months, these criminal groups acted in open violation of the law, using unacceptable and inhumane methods, which according to him harmed not only private property, but also the legal order and the security of investments. Pacolli adds that even more troubling is the suspicion that this activity was supported or tolerated by individuals hiding behind institutional cover, while in certain cases, according to him, there were also attempts to influence court proceedings, in open defiance of Albania’s justice system.

His full statement:

Dear citizens,

Dear people of Vlora,

You, honorable citizens, have the right to be informed of the truth. Unfortunately, you have still not been made aware of the real situation at Vlora Airport. For this reason, I urgently call on SPAK to immediately launch a full investigation into this grave scandal, created and fueled by individuals who have acted and continue to act in violation of the law, seriously undermining the rule of law and the legal system of the Republic of Albania. The time to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice is now.

After months of illegal blockade and the occupation of the Vlora Terminal by criminal groups, today MABCO and our subcontractors have been able to return to their workplaces. At this moment, the verification and recording of the damage caused by vandalism, theft and destruction that occurred during this period is being carried out.

The identified damage includes both the valuable inventory designed, ordered, produced and installed specifically for the airport’s operation, as well as the instruments, equipment and work tools that are the private property of the subcontracting companies.

For more than ten months, these criminal groups have acted in flagrant violation of the law, using unacceptable and inhumane methods, harming not only private property but also the legal order and the security of investments. Even more troubling is the fact that their activity is suspected of having been supported or tolerated by individuals hiding behind institutional cover, while in certain cases they have also attempted to influence court proceedings, openly challenging the justice system in Albania.

Today, in the name of the law, justice and the trust that Albanian citizens and international partners must have in state institutions, I publicly call on SPAK to immediately launch a full, independent and comprehensive investigation into all criminal events that occurred during this period, without any distinction and without protection for anyone, regardless of their position, influence or connections.

It is essential that the entire chain of people involved in these serious acts be identified and held accountable, as these actions have harmed the public interest, legal certainty and Albania’s image as a country that guarantees the rule of law and the protection of investments.

It is equally important that the competent institutions take immediate measures to prevent any possible escalation of the situation and to guarantee the safety of employees, contracting companies and every citizen who believes in work, the law and the values of a civilized society.

We will continue to firmly defend our legal rights, our property and the dignity of working people, believing that truth and justice will prevail.