A court in Albania has ordered the detention of the former director of the Durrës branch of the Albanian Post Office, Elisabeta Mataj, in connection with the alleged disappearance of 69 million Albanian lekë (approximately hundreds of thousands of euros) from the institution's funds.

The security measures hearing for three suspects was marked by strong accusations from prosecutors and firm objections from Mataj's defense team. Prosecutors allege that the transfer of the funds was carried out in violation of official procedures, without the required security escort, and that accounting operations during April and May removed around 69 million lekë from the central treasury without being properly recorded at the Shijak and Krujë branches.

The prosecution also presented allegations of suspected falsified payment documents and accused Mataj of misappropriating the missing funds, claims that she and her legal representatives have strongly denied.

During the hearing, prosecutors cited surveillance footage showing visits by Mataj and her husband to casinos in Tirana. According to the prosecution, Mataj had entered casinos 335 times, including 27 visits during the April-May period when the funds allegedly went missing. Prosecutors also said her husband had made around 340 casino visits in recent months.

Mataj's defense argued that the evidence violated her right to privacy and requested a broader review of all available footage. Lawyers also claimed that documents supporting Mataj's position had not been fully included in the investigation file.

The defense maintained that Mataj had previously reported financial irregularities within the institution, issued orders to restrict cash operations, requested internal inspections, and sought disciplinary measures against other employees.

Meanwhile, former finance chief Valbona Duni accused Mataj of taking the money from her office and not returning it, while cashier Paola Dana denied benefiting from any funds and said all transactions were carried out under the director's authority.

The court ordered "prison arrest" for Elisabeta Mataj, while Valbona Duni and cashier Paola Dana were placed under house arrest.

The case includes three criminal complaints: one filed by the Albanian Post Office against the three women, one by Duni against Mataj, and another by Mataj against Duni and Dana. Prosecutors are expected to merge the proceedings into a single investigation.