Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) is expected to extend its investigation into former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and former senior officials over alleged abuses linked to public road tenders, according to sources close to the investigation.

The investigation period is set to be extended by another three months as prosecutors continue gathering evidence and carrying out additional investigative actions. Balluku, who previously served as Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, is also facing further allegations related to corruption and money laundering.

Sources from SPAK said prosecutors have summoned former Albanian Road Authority chief Gentian Gjyli and former head of the Albanian Power Corporation Erald Elezi, who are co-defendants with Balluku in the case concerning alleged irregularities in the tender for the construction of the Llogara Tunnel.

“We still have investigative actions to complete,” a source close to SPAK said, explaining that the extension of the investigation deadline was required under legal procedures.

The case involving Balluku emerged last October, when authorities imposed two security measures against her: a ban on leaving the country and a suspension from exercising official duties, in relation to allegations of violating equal treatment in public procurement procedures.

A request by SPAK to obtain parliamentary approval for her arrest was rejected by the Socialist majority in Parliament. Following that decision, prosecutors expanded the investigation by adding new allegations, including suspected corruption and money laundering linked to her period as head of the national air navigation company Albcontrol.

The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors continuing to examine the allegations and the involvement of other officials connected to the case.