Tirana Prosecution Office has completed the investigations and sent for trial 20 people, public servants, accused of abuse of office in collaboration, to the detriment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The defendants, according to the prosecution, violated the law in seven procurement procedures, conducted through negotiation without prior announcement, with a total limit fund of 525 million lek excluding VAT.

The investigations into this matter began after a report made by the Supreme State Audit Office (SSA), regarding procurements carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture during 2016-2017.

The suspected violation procedures included:

Expenditures for plant protection and combating parasites in agriculture;

Purchase of equipment for the veterinary service (motorcycles, helmets, protective clothing);

Purchase of cattle to compensate farmers affected by lumpy skin disease;

Installation of a camera monitoring system for waterworks.

According to the prosecution, the defendants, in their capacity as members of procurement units and public officials, have collaborated to conduct procedures in violation of the law, failing to properly fulfill their duties and harming the interests of the state and citizens.