Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has filed a criminal complaint against the Director General of Prisons, Sadleva Bodo, accusing her of abuse of office over his transfer from the detention facility in Durrës to Fier Prison.

The complaint, filed with the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office by Veliaj’s lawyer, Plarent Ndreca, challenges the legality of the transfer and calls for an investigation into Bodo’s responsibility for the decision.

Veliaj maintains that his transfer was carried out in violation of the law, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the decision warrant a criminal investigation.

The controversy intensified after Albania’s General Directorate of Prisons issued an official statement on October 29, following questions and speculation about the transfer. The institution said the decision had been made in full compliance with the applicable legal framework, while initially withholding further details, citing state secrecy.

Bodo also stated that the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) had been informed of the decision concerning Veliaj’s transfer.

Veliaj, meanwhile, publicly condemned the move, describing his transfer to Fier as a “police kidnapping.”

The criminal complaint now places the circumstances and legality of the transfer under renewed scrutiny, as the authorities face calls to clarify the basis for the decision.