The director of the Albanian Post's Durrës branch, Elisabeta Mataj, has been dismissed and referred for criminal investigation following an internal audit that uncovered alleged financial irregularities, Albania's state-owned postal operator announced.

According to an official statement from Albanian Post, the inspection was launched after discrepancies were identified during the reconciliation of funds and financial reports at the Durrës branch. The audit reportedly revealed irregularities in the administration of funds related to payment services.

The company said it immediately took administrative measures against the employees deemed responsible and filed a criminal complaint with the prosecution authorities, submitting the relevant documentation for further investigation.

Sources familiar with the case told Top Channel that investigators suspect the alleged abuse could amount to approximately €3 million. The sources said that an initial end-of-month cash reconciliation revealed a shortfall of around 100 million Albanian lek, with subsequent reviews indicating that the total missing amount may be significantly higher.

The head of the branch's finance department, Valbona Hoti Duni, has also reportedly resigned.

In its statement, Albanian Post stressed that the funds under investigation are not related to pension payments or pensioners' funds, seeking to reassure the public that those services have not been affected.

The company said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities and has provided all necessary documentation to support the investigation. It added that determining individual criminal responsibility and pursuing any further legal action is now the responsibility of the competent judicial authorities.

Albanian Post described the case as evidence that its internal control mechanisms functioned effectively by identifying the irregularities and referring them promptly to prosecutors.

The institution reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of the law, abuse of office, and the misuse of public funds, emphasizing that integrity, transparency, and the protection of the public interest remain its top priorities.

Elisabeta Mataj was appointed director of the Durrës branch in October 2025, succeeding Etleva Budini, who left the post after winning a parliamentary seat in Albania's May 11 general election. Authorities have not announced any formal charges against Mataj, and the investigation remains ongoing.