Albania’s Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) on Monday accepted a request for a shortened trial procedure in the case involving Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci and seven other defendants.

Beci and the other defendants are accused of violating equal treatment rules in public tenders, in connection with a procurement procedure valued at around 68 million Albanian lekë, carried out during the period when Beci was leading the Albanian Power Corporation (KESH).

The shortened trial procedure was approved for Benet Beci, Adela Ruko, Edlira Mitrushi, Jonid Kazani, Yllka Nishku and Rudin Gjioni. Meanwhile, defendant Premtim Dauti will face proceedings under the regular trial process.

The next hearing has been scheduled for September 14, when Special Prosecutor Dritan Prençi is expected to present the final conclusions regarding the defendants.

During Monday’s hearing, Beci, the other defendants and their lawyers requested the dismissal of the case, arguing that an amnesty law should apply and exclude criminal prosecution for certain offenses committed before May 31, 2026, when the maximum possible sentence does not exceed three years in prison.

SPAK prosecutors said they would submit their position in writing at the next hearing, while the court panel announced that it would address the request in its final ruling.

The case against Beci concerns a tender related to the energy sector, valued at approximately 700,000 euros, which was launched during his tenure as head of KESH. The investigation reportedly began after authorities examined communications found on the phone of the wife of former Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH) director Evis Berberi, where messages allegedly linked to Beci were discovered in connection with his role at KESH.

Beci, a member of Albania’s ruling Socialist Party, was officially placed under investigation in November 2024 by SPAK over alleged violations committed while he was serving as director of the Albanian Power Corporation.