Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has referred the high-profile Tirana incinerator concession case to the Special Court, seeking the trial of 14 defendants and two companies over allegations including fraud, money laundering, corruption and participation in a structured criminal group.

According to prosecutors, the investigation found that the €128.2 million concession for the construction and operation of the Tirana landfill and waste-to-energy facility was awarded through unlawful actions by public officials, allowing Integrated Energy BV SPV to secure the contract.

SPAK alleges that the concession's de facto owners, Mirel Mërtiri and Klodian Zoto, fraudulently diverted large sums generated by the project instead of investing them in its implementation. Prosecutors say more than 11.3 billion lek (€107 million) was generated under the concession between 2017 and 2023, while only about €21 million was invested in construction.

The indictment claims the suspects used fictitious invoices, shell companies in Albania and abroad, and cash transfers to move approximately 1.28 billion lek and €16.7 million. Prosecutors allege the scheme involved a structured criminal group that included several Albanian and foreign nationals.

SPAK noted that former Environment Minister Lefter Koka, former senior official Alqi Bllako and several other public officials have already been prosecuted and convicted in separate proceedings related to the same case. Assets belonging to Mërtiri, Zoto and several associated companies remain under preventive seizure, while investigators said a separate investigation remains ongoing to identify additional criminal conduct and those responsible.