The political and judicial landscape in Albania is once again in the spotlight after the release of former Minister of Environment, Lefter Koka, who had been behind bars for nearly four years. His arrest in December 2021 sparked widespread debate, not only because of his high-profile position but also due to the magnitude of the accusations related to the controversial incinerator projects in Fier, Elbasan, and Tirana.
Koka was initially charged with abuse of office, corruption, and money laundering, accusations tied to what became one of Albania’s most discussed public corruption investigations. The incinerator affair drew national and international attention, raising serious questions about transparency, governance, and accountability in public tenders and large-scale environmental projects.
Now, with Koka officially released, Albanians are asking: What has changed, and what does this decision imply for the future of the incinerator cases?
Why Lefter Koka Was Released
The release decision came after the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) officially removed the “arrest with prison” security measure in the case related to the Fier incinerator. According to the court’s reasoning, the security measure was no longer justified, and the case has been returned for retrial in the Court of Appeals by the High Court.
This means that while the investigation remains active, the conditions for keeping Koka in custody no longer stand.
Key Legal Developments:
- Fier Incinerator Case:
- Security measure “arrest with prison” has been formally removed.
- Case sent back for retrial in the Appeals Court.
Elbasan Incinerator Case:
- Koka was granted conditional release by the Durrës Court.
Tirana Incinerator Case:
- Koka has completed his prison sentence through time already served in pre-trial detention.
As a result, all three cases—Fier, Elbasan, and Tirana—no longer hold any active security measures against the former minister.
Background: Why Koka Was Arrested
In December 2021, SPAK (Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure) launched one of its largest corruption operations involving the incinerator network. Koka was accused of playing a central role in the scheme surrounding the Fier Incinerator project.
SPAK claimed that:
- €4 million were paid for work never performed,
- 60 million lekë (approx. €600,000) in financial damage was inflicted on the state budget,
- Funds were funneled through corrupt channels involving abuse of office and falsified contracts.
These accusations positioned Koka as one of the most prominent political figures to face legal consequences under Albania’s anti-corruption reforms.
Why This Story Matters for Albanians
For many Albanians, the incinerator scandal symbolizes the deeper struggle against corruption and mismanagement of public funds. The projects, initially promoted as necessary environmental solutions, have instead become a national debate on transparency and state accountability.
Major Reasons This Case Is Important:
- Public Funds Mismanagement
- Millions of euros were allocated for waste management projects that remain incomplete or non-functional, especially in Fier.
- Political Responsibility
- The involvement of high-ranking government officials created tension between political parties, with accusations targeting both the ruling majority and past administrations.
- Judicial Reform in Action
- The case is one of SPAK’s largest tests in proving the strength and independence of Albania’s justice reform.
- Public Trust
- Albanian citizens expect outcomes that reflect fairness, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.
What Happens Next?
Even though Koka has been released, the legal process is far from over. The retrials and ongoing investigations will likely continue for months, if not years. Several crucial steps remain:
- Retrial in the Appeals Court for the Fier case
- Monitoring of judicial decisions for Elbasan and Tirana
- Ongoing SPAK investigations into related individuals and companies
The release should not be interpreted as an acquittal. Instead, it reflects procedural decisions that must be followed before a final verdict is reached.
The release of Lefter Koka marks a significant turning point in one of Albania’s most controversial corruption cases. As the judicial process continues, Albanians remain attentive to how justice will unfold in the retrials and ongoing investigations.
What this case ultimately reveals about corruption, responsibility, and the effectiveness of justice reform will continue to impact Albania’s political and social landscape for years to come.