Albania is witnessing one of the most far-reaching environmental crime investigations in its modern history, as prosecutors uncover how 102 containers filled with hazardous waste from Kurum International were prepared for illegal export to Thailand. The case, which has shaken public trust and institutions alike, has now entered a decisive phase with the publication of all names placed under security measures by the Durrës Prosecutor’s Office.
At the heart of the investigation is the discovery that the containers contained metallurgical furnace ash, classified as hazardous waste under code 10 02 07*, a material considered dangerous to both human health and the environment. Despite this, the waste was falsely documented and nearly shipped abroad via the Albanian company Sokolaj sh.p.k., in clear violation of Albanian and international environmental law, A2CNN reports.
How the Hazardous Waste Was Disguised
According to prosecution documents, Kurum International and Sokolaj sh.p.k. were fully aware of the dangerous nature of the waste. Laboratory analyses and expert reports confirmed that the companies undertook deliberate actions to conceal the real type of waste, cooperating with third parties to bypass legal obligations.
The containers were stopped after an alert from the Basel Convention network, which monitors illegal transboundary movements of hazardous waste. The seized containers were returned to Albania and analyzed in a specialized laboratory in Italy, confirming beyond doubt that the material was hazardous and should never have been approved for export.
33 Security Measures Signed by the Prosecutor’s Office
In total, the Durrës Prosecutor’s Office has issued 33 security measures, linked to the hazardous waste seized one year ago. According to official sources, 26 individuals have been placed in pre-trial detention, while 7 others are under house arrest.
What makes this case unprecedented is the breadth of individuals involved, ranging from company owners and executives to customs officers, environmental inspectors, port authority officials, and senior figures from the National Environment Agency.
Full List of Names Under Security Measures
The individuals currently subject to security measures include:
- Erdal Demir, Administrator of Kurum International – arrest in prison
- Yusuf Sezai Kurum, Authorized Administrator of Kurum – arrest in prison
- Gjovana Sokolaj, Owner of Sokolaj sh.p.k. – arrest in prison
- Doni Sokolaj, Administrator of D.o.o Minerals – arrest in prison
- Olizana Pemati, Former Administrator of Sokolaj sh.p.k. – arrest in prison
- Mujo Ilazaj, Director of Transport at Kurum – arrest in prison
- Rami Bunga, Environmental Office Specialist at Kurum – arrest in prison
- Harun Sarica, Director of Steel Production at Kurum – arrest in prison
- Arif Shkalla, Manager at Kurum – arrest in prison
- Shaban Hyseni, Director of Sales Department at Kurum – arrest in prison
From the financial, customs, and waste trade sector:
- Mikail Hila, Shareholder of customs agency Joti Spedition – arrest in prison
- Mbarime Koroci, Shareholder of Alliance Resource – arrest in prison
- Nazif Bajrami, Owner of Bajrami N – arrest in prison
- Andon Prifti, Administrator of Bajrami N – arrest in prison
- Petrit Qosja, Individual waste trader – arrest in prison
From the Durrës Customs Branch:
- Julian Kapedani – arrest in prison
- Indrit Likaj – arrest in prison
- Helidon Lila – arrest in prison
- Edmond Voda – arrest in prison
- Shkëlqim Jakupi – arrest in prison
From concessionary and port-related companies:
- Florian Çimo, Administrator of EMS APO – arrest in prison
- Gazmend Sina, Employee of EMS APO – arrest in prison
- Ingo Hesse, Administrator of EMS APO – arrest in prison
From the National Environment Agency (AKM):
- Arta Dollani, Former Director General of AKM – house arrest
- Marjeta Përlala, Current Director of AKM – house arrest
- Dritan Seferaj, Inspection and Control Directorate, AKM – arrest in prison
- Kledina Skendo, Environmental Permit Monitoring Sector, AKM – house arrest
- Bujana Tonçiça, Environmental Permits Sector, AKM – house arrest
- Evis Mellonashi, Environmental Permits Sector, AKM – house arrest
- Kejdi Ahmetaj, Inspection Directorate, AKM – arrest in prison
From the Durrës Port Authority:
- Iva Musa, Inspector – house arrest
- Xhulio Golgota, Inspector – arrest in prison
From the accounting sector:
- Mirjeta Zotaj, Accountant at Sokolaj sh.p.k. – house arrest
Why This Case Is a Turning Point for Albania
For Albanians, the Kurum toxic waste scandal represents more than a criminal case. It exposes how environmental protection mechanisms failed at multiple levels, allowing hazardous waste to be disguised, approved, and nearly exported.
The involvement of senior environmental officials has fueled public outrage and intensified calls for systemic reform. Environmental activists argue that this case should mark the end of impunity for environmental crimes, especially those linked to industrial pollution in cities like Elbasan and Durrës.
What Comes Next
As investigations continue and court proceedings advance, the Kurum case is set to become a landmark trial. Its outcome will determine whether Albania can enforce environmental law with real consequences or whether toxic waste crimes will remain a low-risk, high-profit activity.
For now, the names listed above stand as a stark reminder of how deep the alleged network ran—and how high the stakes are for justice, public health, and Albania’s future.