The case file disclosed yesterday by journalist Klodiana Lala revealed how former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku was linked to villa 188/1 in Palasa.
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SPAK’s investigation found that villa 188/1 in Palasa was built up to the structural shell stage with funding from Igli Tare.
The remaining construction work on the villa was subsequently financed and carried out by Arbër Abazi, the owner of “Alko Impex General Construction,” a company that, together with several other economic operators, won the tender to build Lot 7 of the Great Ring Road. Abazi has family ties to Balluku, as he lives with one of her relatives.
Meanwhile, a short time ago, Balluku denied any involvement in or benefit from corruption and bribery.
“I have never had and do not have any links to corruption, and I urge that the investigation opened against me several months ago, which I have never obstructed in my capacity as a citizen, minister or deputy prime minister, continue in order to bring the truth to light. I do not own 300, 30 or even three apartments, nor yachts, limousines or airplanes, but all of this is part of a trial by public opinion that, unfortunately, is conducted with the greatest ease in this country,” she said.
It should be recalled that, alongside the seizure of the villa, SPAK has registered Balluku as a person under investigation for corruption, money laundering and concealment of assets, while businessman Abazi is being investigated for corruption.
Belinda Balluku had previously been under investigation for corruption and money laundering on suspicion that she had received a luxury villa as a bribe from the company Eurocol, which she had awarded a tender while heading Albcontrol. She is also a defendant over alleged abuses involving tenders, specifically the tender for the construction of the Llogara Tunnel and all lots of Tirana’s Outer Ring Road.
I have never had and do not have any links to corruption, and I urge that the investigation opened against me several months ago, which I have never obstructed in my capacity as a citizen, minister or deputy prime minister, continue in order to bring the truth to light.
I do not own 300, 30 or even three apartments, nor yachts, limousines or airplanes, but all of this is part of a trial by public opinion that, unfortunately, is conducted with the greatest ease in this country.
