Former Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has returned to the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), where prosecutors formally informed her that the investigation into her case has been concluded and the file is ready for trial, according to local media reports.

Balluku, who previously served as one of the country’s most senior government officials, is accused of involvement in 15 alleged criminal episodes, including irregularities in nine public procurement tenders, corruption, and money laundering.

The nine tenders under investigation are reportedly worth approximately €1.2 billion and include contracts related to the Llogara Tunnel, seven sections of Tirana’s Greater Ring Road, and construction work at the technology building of Albania’s air navigation service provider, Albcontrol.

Investigators are also examining two coastal villas that prosecutors allege were effectively owned by Balluku but concealed under another person’s name.

One property is located in the White Rocks residential complex on the Ionian coast. According to the allegations, the villa was provided in connection with a construction contract awarded to Eurocol, a company owned by businessman Pandeli Carapuli. Carapuli has also been charged with money laundering in relation to this episode.

The second property is located in the Green Coast complex in Palasë. Prosecutors allege that businessman Arbër Abazi arranged luxury renovations to the villa in exchange for preferential treatment for his construction company, Alko Impex General Construction, which won a section of the Greater Ring Road project in October 2021.

Both properties have reportedly been seized. Investigators allege that ownership was concealed through former footballer Igli Tare, who has also been charged with money laundering in connection with the two cases.