The mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, reacted again this Thursday against the court's decision to leave him in jail.

According to him, the process against him is scandalous and full of problems.

"Prosecutors made a lot of mistake in my file. Prosecutor Ols Dado wrote that I am convicted, while it is not true. The certification of my status is not convicted, I am clean" said Veliaj from prison.

He was transferred at Durresi prison.

Albanian authorities arrested Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, on Monday, accusing him of corruption, money laundering, and related crimes. If convicted, Veliaj could face up to 15 years in prison.

The Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) also charged Veliaj’s wife, Ajola Xoxa. SPAK alleges the couple secured more than 1 million euros ($1.03 million) in illicit income over four years through a corrupt scheme.  

Veliaj denied the charges, calling the evidence fabricated and politically motivated. His family’s lawyer, Ermir Beta, told OCCRP they had no comment on the court’s measures, citing unfamiliarity with the full details of the case.  

Businessmen Elman Abule, Shkëlqim Fusha, Gentian Sula, and Fatmir Bektashi were also charged in connection with the investigation.  

“These individuals are suspected of providing illegal benefits to the mayor and his wife—either directly or through NGOs—ranging from real estate and luxury travel to payments for fictitious services,” SPAK said in a statement.