“Toyota Yaris” case: Special Court sends businessman Astrit Vladi and Eriona Daupaj to trial

The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime has decided to send the criminal case against Astrit Vladi and Eriona Daupaj to trial. They are accused of criminal offenses related to exerting unlawful influence and corruption in the justice system.

spak gjkko

The decision was made at the preliminary hearing on June 25, 2026, after the court reviewed the request of the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) to send the case to trial.

According to the charges, Astrit Vladi is accused of “exerting unlawful influence over persons exercising public functions,” committed in collaboration and on several occasions, as well as “active corruption of a judge, prosecutor and other justice officials.”

Meanwhile, Eriona Daupaj is accused of “exerting unlawful influence over persons exercising public functions,” “disclosure of secret acts or data,” and “passive corruption of judges, prosecutors and other officials of justice bodies.”

The investigation is linked to events in 2020, when Astrit Vladi is suspected of asking lawyer Lazimi to influence a judge who was handling the criminal case against his brother, Elvis Vladi. According to SPAK, Lazimi agreed to mediate in exchange for improper financial benefits.

Lazimi’s name emerged during the investigation into the case known as “Toyota Yaris,” one of the most high-profile cases of recent years. The scandal erupted after around 3.4 million euros hidden in two Toyota vehicles that had arrived from Belgium in Albania were seized in 2018.

The “Toyota Yaris” file had previously also led to the conviction of former Vlora chief prosecutor Aurela Zarka, as well as lawyer Radovan Çela.

DECISION

PRESS RELEASE 1. On 03.04.2025, the Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime submitted to the Court a request with the subject: “Sending to trial the criminal case relating to criminal proceeding no. 26 of 2024, against the defendants Astrit Vladi and Eriona Daupaj.” 2. At the hearing of 25.06.2026 (preliminary hearing), the Special Court of First Instance Against Corruption and Organized Crime, with a judicial panel composed of judge Paulin Çera, after examining the parties’ claims, by decision no. 17/89, dated 25.06.2026, decided: 1. To accept the request of the Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime, Tirana. 2. To send to trial the criminal case relating to criminal proceedings No. 26, dated 07.02.2024, against the defendants Astrit Vladi, accused of committing the criminal offenses of “Exerting unlawful influence over persons exercising public functions,” committed in collaboration, committed four times, provided for by Articles 245/1, paragraph (1) and 25 (according to the wording before the amendments by Law no. 43/2021), and “Active corruption of a judge, prosecutor and other justice officials,” committed in collaboration, provided for by Articles 319 and 25 of the Criminal Code, and Eriona Daupaj, accused of committing the criminal offenses of: “Exerting unlawful influence over persons exercising public functions,” committed four times, committed in collaboration twice, provided for by Articles 245/1, paragraph (2) and 25 (according to the wording before the amendments by Law no. 43/2021); “Disclosure of secret acts or data,” provided for by Article 295/a paragraph (3); “Passive corruption of judges, prosecutors and other officials of justice bodies,” committed twice, provided for by Article 319/ç of the Criminal Code; as well as criminal proceeding No. 26/1/1, dated 18.07.2025, against defendant Astrit Vladi, accused of committing the criminal offense of “Exerting unlawful influence over persons exercising public functions,” provided for by Article 245/1 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code (according to the wording of this provision before the amendments by Law no. 43/2021). Jordan Misja Street No.1, 1057 Tirana; tel/fax 0035542231527; gjykata.gov.al 3. To send the case for trial to the Special Court of First Instance Against Corruption and Organized Crime, to be assigned by lot for trial on the merits, which will be composed of three judges. 4. No appeal is allowed against this decision. Tirana, dated 25.06.2026 Special Court of First Instance Against Corruption and Organized Crime