SPAK Demands Return of Former Environment Minister Lefter Koka to Prison in Albania Amid Procedural Delays

 Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has filed an appeal seeking the re-imprisonment of former Environment Minister Lefter Koka, after court officials failed to formally deliver the appeal notice due to his reported absence from his declared address.

The Special Court of Appeals announced that its attempt to serve Koka with SPAK’s appeal was unsuccessful after the postal service returned the delivery receipt marked “Larguar,” or “Departed.” As a result, the court is now moving to public notification to proceed with the case. The procedural hurdle has delayed review of SPAK’s challenge to Koka’s early release.

Public notice issued by the Special Court of Appeals for Corruption and Organized Crime after failing to deliver SPAK’s appeal to Lefter Koka. Dated 17.04.2026.

SPAK submitted its appeal on April 10, 2026, contesting the Appeals Court’s decision to uphold Koka’s release from pre-trial detention. That ruling was based on the expiration of maximum detention terms, citing an earlier Supreme Court interpretation on how time served in custody is calculated. Prosecutors argue the release was legally flawed and are pushing for Koka’s return to prison pending further proceedings.

Koka, Albania’s former Minister of Environment, has faced three separate trials linked to the high-profile incinerator affair. He has received non-final convictions in cases related to the Elbasan, Fier, and Tirana waste treatment plants. Despite these convictions, courts determined he had exceeded the maximum allowable period in pre-trial detention, leading to his release.

SPAK’s appeal now aims to overturn that decision, with the prosecution maintaining that the legal basis for Koka’s release was incorrect. The case remains closely watched as part of Albania’s broader anti-corruption efforts targeting public officials. The use of public notification marks the next step in ensuring the appeal process moves forward after the failed delivery attempt.

The Public Note says: 

REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
SPECIAL COURT OF APPEALS FOR CORRUPTION AND ORGANIZED CRIME

No. R-118
Tirana, 17.04.2026

NOTICE / SHPALLJE

“On the notification of Appeal R-118, dated 10.04.2026, to the petitioner/defendant Lefter Koka”
“Për njoftimin e Rekursit R-118, datë 10.04.2026 kërkuesit/të pandehurit Lefter Koka”

In the Special Court of Appeals for Corruption and Organized Crime, decision no. 56, dated 26.02.2026, was issued regarding the petitioner/defendant Lefter Koka.
Në Gjykatën e Posaçme të Apelit për Korrupsionin dhe Krimin e Organizuar, është dhënë vendimi nr. 56, datë 26.02.2026 ndaj kërkuesit/të pandehurit Lefter Koka.

Against this decision, the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime has filed an appeal.
Ndaj këtij vendimi ka paraqitur rekurs Prokuroria e Posaçme kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar.

In this case, the appeal has not been communicated to the petitioner/defendant Lefter Haki Koka, as the postal service returned the delivery receipt with the note: “Departed.”
Në këtë çështje, kërkuesit/të pandehurit Lefter Haki Koka nuk i është komunikuar rekursi, pasi nga shërbimi postar është kthyer dëftesa e komunikimit me shënimin: “Larguar”.

Since the communication of the appeal to the petitioner/defendant Lefter Haki Koka was not achieved, based on Article 140 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Meqenëse nuk është arritur komunikimi i rekursit për kërkuesin/të pandehurin Lefter Haki Koka, bazuar në nenin 140 të Kodit të Procedurës Penale.

WE ANNOUNCE / SHPALLIM:

For the purpose of notifying Appeal R-118, dated 10.04.2026, filed by the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime, on the notice board of this court and on the website, so that the petitioner/defendant Lefter Haki Koka may be informed of it.
Për efekt të njoftimit të Rekursit R-118, datë 10.04.2026 paraqitur nga Prokuroria e Posaçme kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar, në këndin e njoftimeve të kësaj gjykate dhe në faqen e internetit, për t’u njohur kërkuesi/i pandehuri Lefter Haki Koka me të.

Chief Secretary / Kryesekretare
K. ABAZI
[Stamp: REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA – SPECIAL COURT OF APPEALS FOR CORRUPTION AND ORGANIZED CRIME – SECRETARIAT]

Person who posted the notice
Personi që vendosi shpalljen
(name, surname, signature, date of posting)
(emër, mbiemër, nënshkrimi, data e vendosjes)