The Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK) sent to trial the actual mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj and his wife Ajola Xoxa for 13 and 12 criminal charges each.

In a huge file, this prosecution accuse them for corruption, money laundry and abuse of duty.

“The criminal investigation has collected concrete data, which prove beyond any reasonable doubt, that the defendant Erion Veliaj, in his capacity as Mayor of Tirana, with his signature has approved in every case the distribution of these funds, which have subsequently ended up in the above-mentioned NGOs, limited liability companies, natural persons controlled by his wife, the defendant Ajola Xoxa, as well as individuals close to him,” the file states.

The Special Prosecution announced that the preliminary investigation has proven that Veliaj, in his capacity as Mayor of Tirana, has received irregular benefits from construction companies and non-profit organizations, in exchange for construction permits and public funds, while the amounts received have been channeled into real estate, commercial activities and luxury expenses of his family.