The Tirana Prosecutor’s Office has officially sent for trial the former director of the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK), Elira Gogo, accused of document forgery and abuse of office. Alongside her, another individual, identified as Sh.B., will face charges of illegal construction and fraud. The case has drawn significant public attention as it highlights ongoing issues in Albania regarding corruption, property rights, and unregulated urban development, RTSH reports.
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| Elira Gogo, picture source: Euronews.al |
The Investigation and Initial Findings
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation began after multiple citizen complaints regarding construction activities in Bogdanëve Street, a central area of Tirana. Prosecutors discovered that construction had been carried out in violation of the approved building permit.
The project’s destination was altered, and the building footprint was expanded far beyond the authorized surface area. A technical expert report confirmed that the illegal construction amounted to 2,240 square meters. However, the official documentation submitted to ASHK reflected a much smaller surface area.
Financial Damage and Fraudulent Documentation
One of the most critical aspects of the case involves the infrastructure impact tax, a mandatory payment tied to construction projects. Based on the actual illegal extension, the tax should have been 24,998,400 ALL (approximately €250,000). Instead, the documents filed with ASHK reported a drastically reduced construction surface, leading to a much smaller tax payment.
This discrepancy points directly to the use of forged documents and deliberate attempts to mislead state authorities in order to secure financial benefits.
The Role of Former ASHK Director Elira Gogo
Prosecutors allege that Elira Gogo, in her role as the director of ASHK Tirana North, personally signed and approved official cadastral documents without conducting proper field inspections.
Instead of verifying the actual construction area, she endorsed documents that stated only 80.5 square meters of built surface. This false declaration allowed the developer to pay a significantly reduced infrastructure tax.
For this reason, prosecutors argue that the legal elements of document forgery (“falsification of seals, stamps, or official forms”) and abuse of office have been fully proven against her. If convicted, Gogo faces serious legal consequences, as both charges fall under Albania’s penal code provisions dealing with corruption and public office misconduct.
Charges Against the Developer Sh.B.
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Sh.B., is accused of illegal construction and fraud. Authorities maintain that he deliberately carried out building works beyond the scope of his original permit, thereby changing the purpose and increasing the size of the project unlawfully.
His alleged goal was to maximize profit while avoiding the legitimate costs associated with the construction process. This case underscores a widespread issue in Albania, where illegal construction has historically been a challenge for urban planning and law enforcement.
Broader Implications for Albania’s Urban Development
This high-profile case reflects a broader struggle in Albania: the fight against corruption within institutions and the regulation of urban development. Tirana, in particular, has experienced a construction boom over the past two decades, with frequent allegations of irregular permits, weak enforcement, and unlawful expansions.
Experts argue that cases like this damage public trust in institutions and discourage fair competition in the construction sector. Developers who follow the law and pay their full obligations often face disadvantages compared to those who rely on connections, corruption, or forged documents to cut costs.
The Importance of Accountability
The trial of a former high-ranking official such as Elira Gogo is seen by many as a test of Albania’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law. The justice system’s handling of this case will signal whether the fight against corruption is gaining traction or remains symbolic.
International partners, including the European Union, have consistently emphasized the need for Albania to deliver tangible results in tackling corruption as part of its EU integration path. High-level corruption cases, particularly those involving land, construction, and public office abuse, remain under scrutiny.
What Comes Next?
The trial will now move forward in the Tirana Court, where prosecutors will present evidence, including the expert reports and the allegedly forged documents. Both defendants are expected to present their defense, and the proceedings may attract significant media coverage given the profile of the accused and the sensitive nature of the charges.
While the outcome remains uncertain, this case has already shed light on systemic weaknesses in monitoring construction activities and the need for greater institutional transparency. For many citizens, it also raises the hope that no one is above the law, even those in positions of authority.
Conclusion
The prosecution of former ASHK director Elira Gogo and developer Sh.B. illustrates the challenges Albania faces in curbing corruption, enforcing building regulations, and ensuring accountability within public institutions. With millions of lekë in unpaid taxes at stake and growing public frustration over illegal construction, this trial represents more than just a legal process—it symbolizes a battle for integrity in governance.
If the charges are proven, the case may serve as a precedent for stricter enforcement and more transparent urban development practices in Albania.