Albania’s High Court has rejected the appeal of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku against a travel ban imposed on her, leaving in place restrictions that prevent her from leaving the country.

The measure was initially ordered by the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) at the request of the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK). The High Court decision, issued by Judge Ilir Panda, upholds the confiscation of Balluku’s passport, which has been in effect since November 19 under a prior court ruling.

Balluku faces allegations of violating equality in public tenders, charges that have been formally communicated to her as part of ongoing investigations. She is also under investigation in connection with the case of seven lots related to the Greater Ring Road water supply system, and is suspected of involvement in three additional tender procedures.

Efforts by SPAK to arrest the former senior government official were unsuccessful after the Socialist majority in parliament rejected a request to lift her parliamentary immunity.

With the High Court’s ruling, the travel ban remains in force, while investigations into Balluku continue.