The Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organised Crime Structure (SPAK) has formally requested authorisation from Parliament to lift the mandate or approve the arrest of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who is under investigation for alleged corruption in public procurement.

In an official statement, SPAK said Balluku has been charged with violating equality in public tenders, committed in cooperation, in connection with the procurement procedure for the construction of the Llogara Tunnel. She has also been placed under investigation for the same offence in seven additional procurement procedures related to major road infrastructure projects in Tirana.

SPAK stated that the request aims to obtain parliamentary approval to proceed with further legal action, in accordance with constitutional and procedural requirements. 

In addition to the main charge, SPAK said Balluku has been granted the status of suspect for the same alleged offence in seven other procurement procedures involving major infrastructure projects. These include contracts related to the Outer Ring Road of Tirana and several road segments linking Sheshi Shqiponja with the New Boulevard and other key transport corridors.

SPAK stated that the investigation concerns suspicions of irregularities in the definition of tender criteria and potential breaches of competition rules in public procurement processes. The prosecution emphasised that the request to Parliament is required under constitutional and procedural law in order to proceed with further legal steps against a serving deputy prime minister and member of parliament.

The Special Prosecution added that investigations are ongoing and may be expanded as new evidence emerges.