The Special Prosecution Office has extended the investigation into former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku by another three months. She is suspected of corruption, money laundering and breaching equality in tenders in several cases.

A source close to SPAK confirmed to News24 that Erald Elezi, the former director of KESH, and Gentian Gjyli, the former general director of the Albanian Road Authority, both trusted associates of Belinda Balluku, were summoned on Wednesday and are expected to be notified of the decision to extend the investigation deadline.

Under the law, the deadline has been extended by another three months after the special prosecutors argued in their decision that they need time to carry out further investigative actions related to the case, which is considered complex because a large number of tenders are being reviewed.

Belinda Balluku has been indicted by SPAK over the tender for the construction of the Llogara Tunnel and is under investigation over all lots of Tirana’s Great Ring Road.

More recently, she has also been charged with corruption and money laundering, while a luxury villa in Dhërmi has been seized. SPAK suspects it is her concealed property, obtained as a bribe while she headed Albcontrol.

Two security measures remain in force against the former infrastructure minister: a ban on leaving the country and suspension from carrying out her official duties.

SPAK’s request for authorization to arrest Balluku was rejected by the ruling majority in a vote. Following the filing of the new charges against her, the Special Prosecution Office has yet to decide whether it will again ask Parliament for authorization to arrest the former second-highest-ranking official in the Albanian government.

The post SPAK Extends Investigation into Belinda Balluku by 3 Months! Former Deputy Prime Minister Accused of Corruption, Money Laundering and Breaching Equality in Tenders appeared first on Albeu.com.

The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office has decided to extend the investigation into former Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku by another three months.

The decision is expected to be communicated to the parties on Wednesday, while Erald Elezi and Gentian Gjyli have also been summoned to appear before SPAK that same day.

The extension comes as part of SPAK’s investigative procedures in the case involving Balluku.

Balluku is under investigation for corruption, money laundering and breaching equality in tenders.

The post SPAK Extends Belinda Balluku Investigation by Another Three Months! Former Deputy Prime Minister Accused of Corruption, Money Laundering and Breaching Equality in Tenders appeared first on Albeu.com.