Albania’s Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has found former acting mayor of Tropojë, Zyra Islamaj, guilty of passive corruption charges linked to the misuse of public office.

The court sentenced Islamaj to 2 years and 1 month in prison. However, the sentence was suspended and converted into a two-year probation period, on the condition that she does not commit another criminal offense during that time. The court also banned her from holding public office for five years.

In the same case, construction businessman Rrok Gega was convicted of active corruption. GJKKO sentenced him to six months in prison, though the punishment was also suspended and converted into one year of probation.

According to investigations conducted by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), Islamaj allegedly requested that Gega construct a bridge near her sister’s residence — a project that was not included in the original construction plans.

Prosecutors claimed that the former municipal official intervened directly with the contractor to ensure the works were carried out and had also engaged a municipal road maintenance technician to facilitate the project.

The case is part of ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting public officials and abuse of office in Albania.