Albanian Politician Alleges Criminal Gang Involvement in 60 Million Euro Incinerator Scandal

Belind Këlliçi, a member of the Presidency of the Democratic Party in Albania, has alleged that a criminal gang called 5D was involved in a 60 million euro scandal involving an incinerator company in Tirana. According to Këlliçi, the Tirana incinerator company was given tens of millions of euros in income through a monopolistic contract with the Municipality of Tirana.

The company allegedly made large profits by charging high prices for transporting and disposing of soil from construction sites, while paying low prices to the companies that actually did the work. "The scandal also involves the Municipality of Tirana, which allegedly served as a 'destructive' force in the project implementation unit, preventing the proper estimation of the company's costs and income," Këlliçi stated.

The investigative show 'Stop' has reported on the scandal, and the Health Care Insurance Fund has also been implicated. Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, is expected to be questioned about the scandal in the Netherlands.

Why this matters: The allegations of criminal gang involvement and corruption in a major public project raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in Albania. The scandal has the potential to undermine public trust in government institutions and highlights the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of public funds.

Këlliçi's allegations have brought the incinerator scandal into the public spotlight, prompting calls for a thorough investigation. As authorities look into the claims of criminal gang involvement and improper practices by the Tirana incinerator company and Municipality, the outcome of the case could have significant implications for Albania's fight against corruption and efforts to ensure responsible use of public resources.

Key Takeaways

• Politician alleges 60M€ scandal involving Tirana incinerator company
• Company charged high prices, paid low to subcontractors, made large profits
• Municipality of Tirana implicated in preventing proper cost estimation
• Scandal involves criminal gang '5D' and Health Care Insurance Fund
• Allegations raise concerns about transparency and accountability in Albania