Special Prosecution against Corrutpion (SPAK) has intensified its investigation into former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, with prosecutors formally notifying businessman Pandeli Carapuli that he is under investigation on suspicion of money laundering.

According to investigators, Carapuli is suspected of providing Balluku with a luxury villa in the coastal village of Gjilekë, near Dhërmi, allegedly in exchange for favorable treatment in a €1 million public tender awarded while Balluku was serving as director of Albcontrol.

On the same day, agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) questioned the current director of Albanian Railways, Ergys Verdho, who previously headed the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH), as part of the ongoing probe.

The developments follow SPAK’s announcement on Thursday that it had expanded the allegations against Balluku. In addition to charges related to alleged irregularities in public procurement procedures, prosecutors have also registered her as a suspect in investigations involving alleged corruption and money laundering connected to a villa reportedly valued at €145,000.

Investigators are also examining the role of former football player Igli Tare, who has reportedly been placed under investigation over allegations that he was used to conceal ownership of the property.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no final judicial determination has been made regarding the allegations against those involved.